Here I am again, Monday morning 8am. I can’t help but struggle to keep my eyes open. Looking around me at my classmates, it becomes evident that I am not the only one feeling this way. Heads down, their eyes closing into the irresistible pull of sleep. I’m puzzled as to why we are all so tired from last night. Then, it hits me: our chemistry test today. Last night, we were all likely up at midnight cramming studying for our test. During the school year, especially for BASIS, many students are puzzled with this dilemma: “Do I stay up and keep studying or go to sleep?” Although it is no surprise of the achievements and hard work of your average BASIS student, almost every single high schooler here lacks one crucial element: sufficient sleep. Can you blame us? In the hustle and bustle of school along with the load of AP’s, it’s easy for students, like myself, to take sleep for granted. We want to do well and succeed in our classes and if that means we lose a couple hours of sleep every night then so be it, right? However, it’s essential to recognize that, in the long run, prioritizing sleep is not just about your well-being and health but also is a key ingredient for academic success.
Matthew Walker, British scientist and author, says in his book, Why We Sleep, “Practice does not make perfect. It is practice, followed by a night of sleep, that leads to perfection.” Walker’s insight shows us students that success isn’t solely about the number of hours dedicated to practicing; it’s about the quality of that practice and the rest that follows. Our brains aren’t sponges that absorb information instantly. They require sleep to solidify and enhance the knowledge and skills we’ve learned. True mastery isn’t achieved through late-night, sleep-deprived study sessions at 1AM, but, through a combination of dedicated practice and a good night’s sleep.
In conclusion, it’s evident that we, as students, need to reassess what we prioritize. Recognizing that sleep isn’t an obstacle to success but rather a crucial driver of it. Embracing this won’t just improve our health but also bring up our academic marks, guiding us toward success.
