do students stay up late doing homework

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• December 12, 2018

Teens, Sleep and Homework Survey Results

Better sleep council research finds that too much homework can actually hurt teens' performance in school.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. , Dec. 11, 2018 – According to new research from the Better Sleep Council (BSC) – the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association – homework, rather than social pressure, is the number one cause of teenage stress, negatively affecting their sleep and ultimately impacting their academic performance.

American teenagers said they spend 15+ hours a week on homework, and about one-third (34%) of all teens spend 20 or more hours a week. This is more than time spent at work, school clubs, social activities and sports. When asked what causes stress in their lives, about three-quarters of teens said grades/test scores (75%) and/or homework (74%) cause stress, more than self-esteem (51%), parental expectations (45%) and even bullying (15%). In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America™ Survey, during the school year, teenagers say they experience stress levels higher than those reported by adults.

Further, more than half (57%) of all teenagers surveyed do not feel they get enough sleep. Seventy-nine percent reported getting 7 hours of sleep or less on a typical school night, more than two-thirds (67%) say they only get 5 to 7 hours of sleep on a school night, and only about one in five teens is getting 8 hours of sleep or more. Based on the BSC’s findings, the more stressed teenagers feel, the more likely they are to get less sleep, go to bed later and wake up earlier. They are also more likely to have trouble going to sleep and staying asleep – more often than their less-stressed peers.

“We’re finding that teenagers are experiencing this cycle where they sacrifice their sleep to spend extra time on homework, which gives them more stress – but they don’t get better grades,” said Mary Helen Rogers , vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council. “The BSC understands the impact sleep has on teenagers’ overall development, so we can help them reduce this stress through improved sleep habits.”

The BSC recommends that teens between the ages of 13-18 get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For teens to get the sleep their bodies need for optimal school performance, they should consider the following tips:

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine . Just like they set time aside for homework, they should schedule at least 8 hours of sleep into their daily calendars. It may be challenging in the beginning, but it will help in the long run.
• Keep it quiet in the bedroom.  It’s easier to sleep when there isn’t extra noise. Teens may even want to wear earplugs if their home is too noisy.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment. Make sure the bedroom is clutter-free, dark and conducive to great sleep. A cool bedroom, between 65 and 67 degrees , is ideal to help teens sleep.
• Cut back on screen time. Try cutting off screen time at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from electronics’ screens disturbs sleep.
• Examine their mattress. Since a mattress is an important component of a good night’s sleep, consider replacing it if it isn’t providing comfort and support, or hasn’t been changed in at least seven years.

Other takeaways on the relationship between homework, stress and sleep in teenagers include:

• Teens who feel more stress (89%) are more likely than less-stressed teens (65%) to say homework causes them stress in their lives.
• More than three-quarters (76%) of teens who feel more stress say they don’t feel they get enough sleep – which is significantly higher than teens who are not stressed, since only 42% of them feel they don’t get enough sleep.
• Teens who feel more stress (51%) are more likely than less-stressed teens (35%) to get to bed at 11 p.m. or later. Among these teens who are going to bed later, about 33% of them said they are waking up at 6:00 a.m. or earlier.
• Students who go to bed earlier and awaken earlier perform better academically than those who stay up late – even to do homework.

About the BSC The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org , partner support and consumer outreach.

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More than two hours of homework may be counterproductive, research suggests.

A Stanford education researcher found that too much homework can negatively affect kids, especially their lives away from school, where family, friends and activities matter.   "Our findings on the effects of homework challenge the traditional assumption that homework is inherently good," wrote Denise Pope , a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a co-author of a study published in the Journal of Experimental Education .   The researchers used survey data to examine perceptions about homework, student well-being and behavioral engagement in a sample of 4,317 students from 10 high-performing high schools in upper-middle-class California communities. Along with the survey data, Pope and her colleagues used open-ended answers to explore the students' views on homework.   Median household income exceeded $90,000 in these communities, and 93 percent of the students went on to college, either two-year or four-year.   Students in these schools average about 3.1 hours of homework each night.   "The findings address how current homework practices in privileged, high-performing schools sustain students' advantage in competitive climates yet hinder learning, full engagement and well-being," Pope wrote.   Pope and her colleagues found that too much homework can diminish its effectiveness and even be counterproductive. They cite prior research indicating that homework benefits plateau at about two hours per night, and that 90 minutes to two and a half hours is optimal for high school.   Their study found that too much homework is associated with:   • Greater stress : 56 percent of the students considered homework a primary source of stress, according to the survey data. Forty-three percent viewed tests as a primary stressor, while 33 percent put the pressure to get good grades in that category. Less than 1 percent of the students said homework was not a stressor.   • Reductions in health : In their open-ended answers, many students said their homework load led to sleep deprivation and other health problems. The researchers asked students whether they experienced health issues such as headaches, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, weight loss and stomach problems.   • Less time for friends, family and extracurricular pursuits : Both the survey data and student responses indicate that spending too much time on homework meant that students were "not meeting their developmental needs or cultivating other critical life skills," according to the researchers. Students were more likely to drop activities, not see friends or family, and not pursue hobbies they enjoy.   A balancing act   The results offer empirical evidence that many students struggle to find balance between homework, extracurricular activities and social time, the researchers said. Many students felt forced or obligated to choose homework over developing other talents or skills.   Also, there was no relationship between the time spent on homework and how much the student enjoyed it. The research quoted students as saying they often do homework they see as "pointless" or "mindless" in order to keep their grades up.   "This kind of busy work, by its very nature, discourages learning and instead promotes doing homework simply to get points," said Pope, who is also a co-founder of Challenge Success , a nonprofit organization affiliated with the GSE that conducts research and works with schools and parents to improve students' educational experiences..   Pope said the research calls into question the value of assigning large amounts of homework in high-performing schools. Homework should not be simply assigned as a routine practice, she said.   "Rather, any homework assigned should have a purpose and benefit, and it should be designed to cultivate learning and development," wrote Pope.   High-performing paradox   In places where students attend high-performing schools, too much homework can reduce their time to foster skills in the area of personal responsibility, the researchers concluded. "Young people are spending more time alone," they wrote, "which means less time for family and fewer opportunities to engage in their communities."   Student perspectives   The researchers say that while their open-ended or "self-reporting" methodology to gauge student concerns about homework may have limitations – some might regard it as an opportunity for "typical adolescent complaining" – it was important to learn firsthand what the students believe.   The paper was co-authored by Mollie Galloway from Lewis and Clark College and Jerusha Conner from Villanova University.

Clifton B. Parker is a writer at the Stanford News Service .

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The Effects Homework Can Have On Teens’ Sleeping Habits

Jess Amabile '24 and February 25, 2021

Ever wonder why you feel like you never get enough sleep? Here’s a pretty good reason: large amounts of homework can be detrimental to a teen’s sleeping habits, even more so with high schoolers.

There have been many studies recently about the damage homework has to students’ health, mainly concerning lack of sleep in teenagers.  According to an article published by US News called “The Importance of Sleep for Teen Mental Health” , it states that “ surveys show that less than 9 percent of teens get enough sleep”.  This fact is devastating, especially considering the fact that teenagers take up about thirteen percent of the country’s population.  

Also mentioned in “The Importance of Sleep for Teen Mental Health” , “ about forty-one million Americans get six or fewer hours of sleep per night”.  If teenagers see their parents not getting enough sleep, it can convince them that there are things more important than sleep, such as something almost every teenager in America has to deal with–homework.

Homework is pretty stressful for teens, especially if they have other things to do.  Many teens have long hours at school, which limits the time for them to do their insane amount of homework, attend extra-curricular activities, eat, do whatever they need to around the house, and sleep.  And usually, sleeping is the last thing on the list of things to do before school the next day. Another article, “What’s preventing adequate teen sleep” , states that, “Homework is possibly the biggest factor that keeps teens from getting enough sleep…The sheer quantity of homework absorbs hours that should be dedicated to sleep”.  Students generally have so much homework that they don’t have enough time to do everything else they need to do that day.  So, sleeping is often the first thing teens eliminate from their schedule.  

According to Oxford Learning , homework can have other negative effects on students. In their article, Oxford Learning remarks, “56 percent of students considered homework a primary source of stress. Too much homework can result in lack of sleep, headaches, exhaustion, and weight loss”. 

 Similarly, Stanford Medicine News Center reports that the founder of the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic stated, “‘I think high school is the real danger spot in terms of sleep deprivation,’ said William Dement, MD, Ph.D.”.  Sleep deprivation is a real problem for high school students, and Stanford Medicine News Center continues on this topic by commenting, “Sleep deprivation increases the likelihood teens will suffer myriad negative consequences, including an inability to concentrate, poor grades, drowsy-driving incidents, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and even suicide attempts. It’s a problem that knows no economic boundaries”. If students are constantly battling sleep deprivation, how can they concentrate on schoolwork, or even be able to perform everyday tasks?  This shows that homework greatly affects students in both mental and physical ways. If something is supposed to continue a lesson that was learned in school, why is it negatively affecting students’ lives?

Ask yourself: is homework really worth the extremely negative effects?

“What’s preventing adequate teen sleep”

http://sleepeducation.org/news/2017/07/26/what-is-preventing-adequate-teen-sleep

“The Importance of Sleep for Teen Mental Health”

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-07-02/the-importance-of-sleep-for-teen-mental-health

Oxford Learning

https://www.oxfordlearning.com/how-does-homework-affect-students/#:~:text=How%20Does%20Homework%20Affect%20Students,headaches%2C%20exhaustion%20and%20weight%20loss.

Stanford Medicine News Center

https://med.stanford.edu/news.html

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Early Start Times, Homework Impact Sleep for Teens

Dec 11, 2018 | Age | 0 |

New survey data released from Sleep Cycle, an alarm clock app, reveals how school schedules affect the quality and quantity of sleep for kids and teens.

The survey of more than 1,000 US adults and teens conducted by Propeller Research on behalf of Sleep Cycle in September 2018 found that schoolwork keeps kids and teens up too late, early school start times have them falling asleep in class, and even teens are on board with nap time.

Americans Kids Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep

The majority of parents (70%) agree that their children need a minimum of 8-9 hours of sleep to be well-rested, but nearly half (46%) report that their children get 7 hours or less.

Additionally, while more than three-quarters (77%) of American parents got naps when they were children in kindergarten, 4 in 10 say their child did not.

When they don’t get enough sleep, parents report that their children:

• Are moody — 64%
• Are grumpy and disagreeable — 61%
• Get into more trouble at school — 28%
• Make worse life choices — 20%
• Homework doesn’t help: The vast majority (88%) of teens say they must stay up late to finish school projects — 59% on a weekly or daily basis.

Late to Bed and Early to Rise

School start times also have more than a little to do with it:

• More than half (52%) of American parents and 61% of American teens think school starts too early.
• 55% of teens feel their school work suffers because of the early start time
• 59% say that early school start times inhibit them from being productive later in the day
• 70% feel they would have more productive school days if school started later — 64% of parents agree
• About a quarter of teens (27%) say they begin to feel alert after 9 am, but the majority (39%) don’t start feeling alert until after 10 am.
• Another 10% say they don’t ever feel alert in class.

Are Naps the Answer?

Almost half (46%) of parents feel the school day is also too long. Teens agree:

• 87% have had difficulty staying awake during class because they are tired
• More than two-thirds (69%) have actually fallen asleep
• 56% report feeling worn out at the end of each school day
• All but 3% say they come home tired at least one day a week
• More than three-quarters (76%) of parents feel their child would benefit from a designated nap or rest time at school — teens included. The vast majority (78%) of teens agree that they would benefit from a nap or rest in the course of the school day.

“American students are burning the candle at both ends—staying up late to do homework and waking up early to be back in class. It’s a vicious cycle,” says Carl Johan Hederoth, CEO of Sleep Cycle, in a release. “Parents can help by trying to establish a regular bedtime and by using Sleep Cycle to wake kids in their lightest phase of sleep so they can start each day feeling refreshed, even for those early classes.”

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The Impact of Sleep on Learning and Memory

By Kelly Cappello, B.A.

For many students, staying awake all night to study is common practice. According to Medical News Today , around 20 percent of students pull all-nighters at least once a month, and about 35 percent stay up past three in the morning once or more weekly.

That being said, staying up all night to study is one of the worst things students can do for their grades. In October of 2019, two MIT professors found a correlation between sleep and test scores : The less students slept during the semester, the worse their scores.

So, why is it that sleep is so important for test scores? While the answer seems simple, that students simply perform better when they’re not mentally or physically tired, the truth may be far more complicated and interesting.

In the last 20 years, scientists have found that sleep impacts more than just students’ ability to perform well; it improves their ability to learn, memorize, retain, recall, and use their new knowledge to solve problems creatively. All of which contribute to better test scores.

Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting research regarding the impact of sleep on learning and memory.

How does sleep improve the ability to learn?

When learning facts and information, most of what we learn is temporarily stored in a region of the brain called the hippocampus. Some scientists hypothesize that , like most storage centers, the hippocampus has limited storage capacity. This means, if the hippocampus is full, and we try to learn more information, we won’t be able to.

Fortunately, many scientists also hypothesize that sleep, particularly Stages 2 and 3 sleep, plays a role in replenishing our ability to learn. In one study, a group of 44 participants underwent two rigorous sessions of learning, once at noon and again at 6:00 PM. Half of the group was allowed to nap between sessions, while the other half took part in standard activities. The researchers found that the group that napped between learning sessions learned just as easily at 6:00 PM as they did at noon. The group that didn’t nap, however, experienced a significant decrease in learning ability [1].

How does sleep improve the ability to recall information?

Humans have known about the benefits of sleep for memory recall for thousands of years. In fact, the first record of this revelation is from the first century AD. Rhetorician Quintilian stated, “It is a curious fact, of which the reason is not obvious, that the interval of a single night will greatly increase the strength of the memory.”

In the last century, scientists have tested this theory many times, often finding that sleep improves memory retention and recall by between 20 and 40 percent. Recent research has led scientists to hypothesize that Stage 3 (deep non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep, or Slow Wave Sleep) may be especially important for the improvement of memory retention and recall [2].

How does sleep improve long-term memory? 

Scientists hypothesize that sleep also plays a major role in forming long-term memories. According to Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, MRI scans indicate that the slow brain waves of stage 3 sleep (deep NREM sleep) “serve as a courier service,” transporting memories from the hippocampus to other more permanent storage sites [3].

How does sleep improve the ability to solve problems creatively?

Many tests are designed to assess critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Recent research has led scientists to hypothesize that sleep, particularly REM sleep, plays a role in strengthening these skills. In one study, scientists tested the effect of REM sleep on the ability to solve anagram puzzles (word scrambles like “EOUSM” for “MOUSE”), an ability that requires strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

In the study, participants solved a couple of anagram puzzles before going to sleep in a sleep laboratory with electrodes placed on their heads. The subjects were woken up four times during the night to solve anagram puzzles, twice during NREM sleep and twice during REM sleep.

The researchers found that when participants were woken up during REM sleep, they could solve 15 to 35 percent more puzzles than they could when woken up from NREM sleep. They also performed 15 to 35 percent better than they did in the middle of the day [4]. It seems that REM sleep may play a major role in improving the ability to solve complex problems.

So, what’s the point?

Sleep research from the last 20 years indicates that sleep does more than simply give students the energy they need to study and perform well on tests. Sleep actually helps students learn, memorize, retain, recall, and use their new knowledge to come up with creative and innovative solutions.

It’s no surprise that the MIT study previously mentioned revealed no improvement in scores for those who only prioritized their sleep the night before a big test. In fact, the MIT researchers concluded that if students want to see an improvement in their test scores, they have to prioritize their sleep during the entire learning process. Staying up late to study just doesn’t pay off.

Interested in learning more about the impact of sleep on learning and memory? Check out this Student Sleep Guide .

Author Biography

Kelly Cappello graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2015. She is now a writer, specialized in researching complex topics and writing about them in simple English. She currently writes for Recharge.Energy , a company dedicated to helping the public improve their sleep and improve their lives.

• Mander, Bryce A., et al. “Wake Deterioration and Sleep Restoration of Human Learning.” Current Biology, vol. 21, no. 5, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.cub.2011.01.019.
• Walker M. P. (2009). The role of slow wave sleep in memory processing. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 5(2 Suppl), S20–S26.
• Walker, Matthew. Why We Sleep. Scribner, 2017.
• Walker, Matthew P, et al. “Cognitive Flexibility across the Sleep–Wake Cycle: REM-Sleep Enhancement of Anagram Problem Solving.” Cognitive Brain Research, vol. 14, no. 3, 2002, pp. 317–324., doi:10.1016/s0926-6410(02)00134-9.

Posted on Dec 21, 2020 | Tagged: learning and memory

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Are Students Who Sleep Better More Likely to Succeed?

Last Updated on June 13, 2024

Written by Jill Zwarensteyn

Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor

Our research process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our editorial team utilizes reputable sources and expert feedback to provide well-researched sleep health content. For more details, read our full editorial policy.

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

Find out more from our sleep if the students who sleep better are more likely to succeed.

It’s no secret that students face immense pressure to do well in school. For teens, good grades can determine the college you’re accepted into, and for college and grad students, academic success can impact your career goals. 

Multiple factors can influence your achievements, but does sleep play a role? In this article, we’ll find out  if   students who sleep better are more likely to succeed.  

We’ll also look at students’ current sleep patterns, how they can improve their rest, and why developing good sleeping habits now will help them later in life.

Are Students Getting Enough Sleep?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,  teens should sleep   [1]  between 8 and 10 hours every night. 1 To develop these guidelines, the AASM developed a panel of 13 experts who reviewed over 800 articles of scientific research in order to come to an agreement on what is the optimum amount of sleep.

For more information, check out our  beds for teenagers .

They used a similar process for the recommended sleep time for  adults   [2] , with the help of a 15-person expert panel. They concluded that adults 18 and older should get 7 or more hours of shut-eye.

Using this data as a reference point, experts can analyze whether students are meeting the recommended amounts of sleep.

In a CDC  national student sample   [3] , they discovered that as many as 7 out of 10—or 72.7 percent—of students weren’t sleeping enough on school nights. Most of these students were sleeping for less than 8 hours, and the alarmingly high numbers reveal just how prevalent sleep deprivation is among young people.

Unfortunately, college and grad students aren’t doing much better. The  University of Georgia   [4]  Health Center reports that most college students only get 6-6.9 hours of sleep each night, which is below the minimum recommendation of 7.

A 2020 study examined stress and burnout among graduate students. Their findings also looked at how well grad students slept. They reported that the study participants only slept an average of  6.4 hours per night   [5] .

Learn More:   How Much Sleep Do Teens Need ?

What Causes Teens and Young Adults to Lose Rest?

Why, then, are so many young people not sleeping well? There are a variety of reasons contributing to this trend.

Late-Night Homework

Many students will often stay up late trying to study for an exam or work on homework. While some may have to do homework later due to extracurricular activities or a job, others may need the extra time to meet the demands of multiple classes.

Between computers, video games, and cell phones, young people are surrounded by technological distractions. Unfortunately, screen time can affect your quality of sleep. Research shows us that  screen time  before bed can impact people of all ages for several reasons  [6] .

The first is that the blue light emitted from the screen reduces the production of the melatonin hormone, which is responsible for keeping your sleep-wake cycle running smoothly. The second reason is that the devices stimulate your brain, making it difficult to quiet your mind as you prepare to sleep. Thirdly, notifications going off during the right could disrupt your REM – or deep sleep – cycle.

It’s also worth noting that even when you don’t use devices before bed, tech distractions may also cause you to put off doing homework and other tasks until later, which could still throw off your sleep schedule.

Emotional Stress

Dartmouth College   [7]  reports that over 50 percent of chronic sleep problems are caused by emotional stress, including depression and anxiety. They go on to add that high levels of stress can also  lead to insomnia .

For teens and young adults, they are dealing with the demands of school, extracurricular activities, internships, and side jobs – all while trying to navigate social, family, and romantic relationships. A combination of these stressors could easily keep them from sleeping well.

Inconsistent Sleep Schedules

Not having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time can also affect how well-rested you are. While some students might maintain a good sleep schedule during the week, that can quickly go out the window when the weekend rolls around.

A 2009 study that looked at the sleep habits of university students in Taiwan determined that there’s a link between  irregular sleeping patterns   [8]  and insufficient rest.

Living Environment

It’s not just your habits, though. The environment you sleep in may also influence your sleep quality. 

College and graduate students, in particular, may have difficulty creating a relaxing sleep environment. From roommates to noisy neighbors, there are plenty of distractions that could keep you up at night.

Find Out More:   29 College Students Sleep Statistics

Sleep Disorders

Young people may also struggle with  sleep disorders   that interfere with rest. These include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. However, when it comes to sleep disorders, it’s best to consult with a physician who will be able to diagnose your  sleep issue   [9]  properly.

Diet and Exercise

What you eat and drink can also trigger sleep problems. For example, caffeine and alcohol consumption can disrupt your sleep, while going to bed on a full or empty stomach may cause discomfort that makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Although exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy life, working out too late at night can give you a boost of energy that makes it hard to doze off at bedtime.

Get More Info:   Exercise and Sleep  – How to Target Your Workout Time

We might be quick to scold young people about their sleeping habits, but it’s not  entirely  their fault either.  Research   [10]  established since the early 1990s determined that as teens got older, they were biologically wired to go to bed later. This is referred to as a Sleep Phase Delay, and it means that their circadian rhythm (or internal clock) makes it harder for them to go to bed before 11:00 pm.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t correlate with school and university schedules. Most  schools begin classes   [11]  as early as 8:00 am, with some high schools starting even earlier at 7:30 am.

Signs of Sleep Deprivation

When you’re sleep-deprived, you will notice one – if not several – of these symptoms.

Mood Changes

Mood disorders like anxiety and depression can lead to a lack of rest, but little sleep can also exacerbate these conditions or create an increased risk of developing them. When they don’t sleep enough, students may also experience more  negative moods   [12]  like frustration, irritability, sadness, and anger. These types of mood disorders and changes could hinder their relationships with teachers, peers, and family.

Get Sick More Often

Not getting adequate sleep also means you’re more likely to get sick, and it could influence how long it takes you to recover from an illness. When you sleep, your body releases protective proteins called  Cytokines   [13] . However, when you’re not getting enough rest, the production of this protein decreases, leaving you more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Daytime Drowsiness

We all know those students who fall asleep in class, and at times we may have been those students. Rather than passing judgment on yourself or the behavior, consider it could be related more closely to sleep deprivation than laziness. 

When you consistently feel sleepy during the day, there’s a high chance you didn’t get enough shut-eye the night before.  Daytime drowsiness  is also a common symptom to be aware of. Extreme tiredness in class is undoubtedly a cause for concern, but drowsiness can be dangerous – especially for students who drive since it increases their risk of an accident.

Inability to Concentrate

Difficulty concentrating is also an effect of sleep deprivation, and a lack of focus could certainly impact your ability to do well in school. When you’re unable to concentrate, you will notice you have a harder time paying attention in class and staying on track with homework and study assignments.

Memory Problems

Not enough rest could also negatively affect your memory, and for students who need to retain important information for tests and presentations, this is not good news. In the event you notice you’re more forgetful than usual, it’s a good opportunity to review your sleep habits.

Less Physical Strength

While some students participate in athletics for fun, others may rely on sports to get important scholarships and college opportunities.

Just as food fuels your body, so does sleep. However, when you don’t get the rest you need, you will have less physical strength and energy.  This means you are less likely to perform as well as you could, which is why rest is so crucial.

In fact, the data supports this. A 2011 study looked at how sleep affected the performance of college basketball players.

They discovered that basketball players who achieved optimal sleep also reached their  peak athletic performance   [14] .

Even for young people who don’t participate in their school’s sports, this can cause them to feel less inclined to exercise altogether.

Do Successful Students Sleep More?

Although this information implies that sleeping better leads to more success in school, is there actual data that proves it? Yes.

For example,  a 2015 study   [15]  wanted to see if there was a correlation between sleep duration and academic performance among pharmaceutical students. Their research found that students who sleep longer did better on exams, resulting in higher semester grades and GPAs.

How Can Students Sleep Better?

Now understanding the relationship between sleep and success, students can take the initiative to improve their sleeping habits.

No Homework or Technology Right Before Bed

Students should avoid homework, studying, and technology – including social media – about an hour before bed. 

As tempting as it is to stay up late for more study time, the research shows us that you are more likely to do better if you go to bed earlier. In the event you have homework due the next day, experts recommend getting up early to finish it instead. 

It might be hard to give up scrolling through Instagram or playing video games, but cutting off your screen time before bed should also help your mind relax to fall asleep.

Find Out More:  The Effect of  Technology on Sleep

Create a Better Sleep Environment

For students who have trouble sleeping, improving their sleep environment could result in a better night’s rest.  Light, temperature, and noise   [16]  are three main environmental factors that can affect sleep.

For students with noisy roommates who stay up later, try using devices like  sleep masks  or earplugs.  Blackout curtains  can also help knock out extra light from outside. It’s also a good idea to monitor your room’s temperature so that it’s not too hot or too cold, which should help you rest more comfortably.

Stick to a Schedule

Another helpful tip is to stick to a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time every day. While this might be more of a challenge on weekends, a consistent schedule should help keep your body’s internal clock in check.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Cutting out caffeine, particularly later in the day and at night, seems like a no-brainer, but you might be tempted to use it while you finish up your homework. Rather, opt for a glass of water or a decaffeinated drink to give you some energy. 

In addition to caffeine, experts also suggest avoiding alcoholic beverages. For students of legal drinking age, you might think a glass of wine can help you wind down. While alcohol does make you sleepy, it could also lead to more disrupted sleep.

Don’t Eat Right Before Bed

When you’re going from class to class and then an evening team practice, rehearsal, or study session, you could easily find yourself putting off dinner until late at night. Instead of having a big meal, though, opt for a  light snack  that won’t leave you feeling uncomfortably full during the night.

Exercise Regularly

Regular workouts should also help you sleep better. According to research, students who are in good physical condition fall asleep more quickly and rest better. For optimum results, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week about 5-7 hours before your bedtime – if not earlier.

Manage Your Concerns

Whether they’re school-related or personal, worries have an awful habit of creeping up at night. When you find that your worries keep you up, a good idea is to jot them down. Then, try to come up with solutions before you go to bed and plan your schedule for the next day. 

Writing them down and creating a game plan should make it easier for you to let go of those concerns when you go to sleep.

How Will Better Sleep Help Students Later in Life?

The great news is that developing good habits as a student should translate to not only academic success but also success later in life when you enter your respective career field. Many high-level jobs will need you to function to the best of your ability, and if you’re not well-rested, this could affect your job performance. That’s why creating good habits early on is so important.

Good sleep should also  keep you healthy   [17]  as you age. A full night’s sleep should help prevent weight gain, boost your immune system, strengthen your heart, and improve your memory.

Sources and References:

[1] Shalini. Paruthi MD, Lee J. Brooks MD, Carolyn. D’Ambrosio MD, Wendy A. Hall PhD RN,  Suresh. Kotagal MD, Robin M. Lloyd MD, Beth A. Malow MD MS, et al. “ Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations: A Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine”,  American Academy of Sleep Medicine , 2016.

[2] Nathaniel F. Watson MD MSc, M. Safwan. Badr MD, Gregory Belenky MD, Donald L. Bliwise PhD, Orfeu M. Buxton PhD, Daniel. Buysse MD, David F. Dinges PhD, “ Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society”,  American Academy of Sleep Medicine , 2015.

[3]  “Sleep in Middle and High School Students” , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 10, 2020.

[4]  “Sleep Rocks!…Get More of it!” , University Health Center at the University of Georgia 

[5] Hannah K. Allen, Angelica L. Barrall, Kathryn B. Vincent, Amelia M. Arria, “ Stress and Burnout Among Graduate Students: Moderation by Sleep Duration and Quality”, Springer Link, 2020.

[6]  “Why It’s Time to Ditch the Phone Before Bed” , SCL Health 

[7]  “Improving Sleep” , Dartmouth College

[8] Jiunn-Horng. Kang, Shih-Ching. Chen, “ Effects of an irregular bedtime schedule on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue among university students in Taiwan”,  National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2009.

[9]  “Sleep Deprivation” , Cedars Sinai

[10] Ruthann Richter,  “Among teens, sleep deprivation an epidemic” , Stanford Medicine, 2015.

[11] Anne G. Wheaton PhD, Gabrielle A. Ferro PhD, Janet B. Croft PhD, “ School Start Times for Middle School and High School Students — United States, 2011–12 School Year” , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015.

[12]  “Mood and Sleep” , Better Health Channel

[13] Eric J. Olson MD,  “Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick?” , Mayo Clinic, November 28, 2018.

[14] Cheri D. Mah, Kenneth E. Mah, Eric J. Kezirian, William C. Dement, “ The effects of sleep extension on the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players”,  National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2011.

[15] Megan L. Zeek PharmD, Matthew J. Savoie PharmD, Salisa C. Westrick PhD MS, “ Sleep Duration and Academic Performance Among Student Pharmacists”,  National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2015.

[16]  “External Factors that Influence Sleep” , Harvard University, December 18, 2007.

[17]  “The Benefits of Getting a Full Night’s Sleep” , SCL Health, 2018.

Jill Zwarensteyn

About author.

Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.

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Staying Up Late to Study Hurts Students More Than It Helps

For many high school students balancing standardized tests, school projects, assignments and extracurriculars, it may seem like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. As a result, many students are staying up late to study. According to a 2015 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about seven out of 10 high school students aren’ t getting enough sleep. In fact, Stanford Medicine refers to teen sleep deprivation as an epidemic.  

Extensive research shows that high school students who get adequate sleep — eight to 10 hours per night — have better focus and concentration and perform better academically. Sleep-deprived teens, however, are more likely to have behavioral and attention problems that affect academic performance.

There’s a reason we need sleep: Our brains need to reboot and store the memories and information we have absorbed throughout the day. It may not seem like it the night before a huge test, but studying and sleep go together.

So, Why Do We Pull All-Nighters?  

It seems like a simple trade-off: The more you study, the more you will learn. There might not be enough time between school, sports, and other extracurriculars to pack more study hours into your normal routine, so you sacrifice a few hours of sleep a night to get the job done.

While it may seem to boost your grades in the short term, your lack of proper sleep can keep you from fully absorbing the information, making it harder to recall the information and make useful connections among concepts later down the road. Without a good night’s sleep, the exhausted neurons in our brains can’t function properly to organize information, and the ability to recall previously learned information is lost.

How Will More Sleep Improve Academic Performance?  

As mentioned before, your brain needs time to process and store all the memories and information you have accumulated throughout the day. During REM, or rapid eye movement sleep, your brain files away all those experiences and knowledge, and makes connections between old and new information. If you’re up all night studying for a cumulative final, your brain doesn’t get that chance to sort through all that information and you’re more likely to forget things.

Taking the time to catch a little shut eye between study sessions makes it more likely that you will keep all the knowledge you’re cramming into your brain and be able to process it in a way that makes it easier to understand.

How Do You Balance Increasing Your Study Time Without Losing Sleep?  

Study smart with these tips:

• Keep a schedule: Map out your study hours ahead of time. If you know you have a big AP chemistry test next week, start studying now and devote more time to it. For example, study an hour for AP chemistry and only half an hour for calculus or English, depending on what else is going on in those courses.
• Take breaks: Your brain becomes exhausted from overwork — not just from being up all night, but also over short, intense periods of study time. Taking a short break of 15 to 20 minutes to grab a snack, make a phone call, or just sit and decompress is important to help your brain take a breather.
• Use effective study tools: Making your study practices more effective is key to ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your study time so you don’t cut into sleep hours. Flash cards, charts, graphs, organized lists, etc. make information easy to digest and keep the brain sharp, rather than load it down with text-heavy readings.

Of course, practicing healthy sleep habits is also important. The Cleveland Clinic recommends putting away your electronic devices — especially smartphones — before bedtime, since using them can stimulate your brain. A good rule of thumb is an hour before. If possible, wind down from studying during that time, too. Read a good book , practice self-care — whatever helps you relax.

Striking a healthy balance between studying and sleep will help ensure that you perform at your best. Now, go get some sleep!

Looking for more guidance on how to improve your academic performance? Learn more about IvyWise’s counseling and test prep services.

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Craig Canapari, MD

Proven advice for better sleep in kids and parents

Homework vs. Sleep: A Cause of Stress in Teens (And Younger Kids)

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Craig Canapari M.D.

Homework stresses kids out; there is no way around this fact. The combination of heavy homework loads and early school start times is a major cause of sleep deprivation and consequent stress in teens, but this can be a problem even in younger kids.

When we moved to Connecticut, I was struck by the perception of some parents that my son’s classmates that he and his peers were not getting enough homework. I was shocked; these kids were in first grade at the time.  Fortunately, my son’s teacher have resisted this pressure.

When I started looking into the evidence,  I was surprised to find that there is not much evidence that homework before high school benefits children.  I really love this article by Justin Coulson, a parenting expert and psychologist, detailing why he bans his school age children from doing homework , concluding from the evidence that homework does more harm than good. A recent study showed that some elementary school children had three times the recommended homework load . In spite of this, homework has started appearing even in kindergarten and the first great in spite of recommendations to the contrary. This has become a source of great stress to families.

Sleep deprivation in teenagers is an epidemic here in the US, with up to 90% of teenagers not getting enough sleep on school nights . The most important factor causing this is school start times that are too early for teenagers, who are hardwired to go to bed later and get up later compared with younger children (or grown-ups, for that matter). I’ve discussed this at length on my blog .

Another factor which can cause sleep deprivation is homework. Some studies suggest that the amount of homework which teenagers receive has stayed constant over time. I don’t pretend to be an educational expert, but I frequently see children and teenagers who have hours and hours of homework every night. This seems most common in teenagers who are striving to get into competitive colleges. This is piled on top of multiple extracurricular activities– sports, clubs, music lessons, and public service. Of course, the patients and families I see in clinic tend to be the people with the greatest difficulties with sleep. So I decided to look into this issue a bit more.

How common is excessive homework, anyway?

The recommendation of the National Education Association is that children received no more than ten minutes of homework per grade level. So a high school senior would max out at two hours of homework per night. An analysis published by the Brookings Institute concluded that there has been little change in the amount of homework assigned between 1984 and 2012 . About 15% of juniors and seniors did have greater than two hours of homework per night. Interestingly, the author also referenced a study which showed that about 15% of parents were concerned about excessive homework as well. This would suggest that the problem of excessive homework is occurring only in about one in six teenagers.

There is a perception that homework loads are excessive. This certainly may be the case in some communities or in high pressure schools. Teenagers certainly think that they have too much homework; here is a well researched piece written by a teenager  who questions the utility of large amounts of homework.

Some generalities emerge from the educational research :

• Older students get more homework than younger students
• Race may play a role, with Asian students doing more homework
• Less experienced teachers assign more homework
• Math classes are the classes most likely to assign homework

How beneficial is homework?

The US is a relatively homework intense country, but does not score as well as countries where homework is less common. In high school age kids, homework does have benefits. However, 70 minutes total seems to be the sweet spot in terms of benefits ; homework in excess of this amount is associated with decreasing test scores.

Homework clearly can have benefits– development of good organizational habits, review of materials, and improving skills such as reading and critical thinking. Homework should be assigned, however, with the goal of helping children learning, not because the teacher or school has decided that a certain amount should be assigned nightly, or because some parents want their children to get more  homework. Alfie Kohn, an educational leader and a big critic of homework. published a great article on rethinking homework . Here’s another thoughtful perspective on homework by a history teacher named Glen Whitman.

When To Worry About Excessive Homework

Obviously, I am not an educational expert. My review of this topic suggests that most children do not have an undue burden of homework. Thus, the best way to help teenagers get more sleep is to start school later . However, there are a subset of teenagers who may have an excessive amount of homework. I would define that is over two hours of homework a night, or an amount of homework that keeps children up late at night with regularity, especially given that getting enough sleep is critical for learning. No child should have to regularly decide between homework and sleep.  These factors can contribute to excessive homework:

• Unreasonable amounts of assigned homework (10 minutes/grade level)
• Excessive extracurricular activities leading to a late homework start time
• Learning problems such as ADHD or dyslexia, especially if they have not yet been diagnosed.

Some final advice:

• Teenagers:  If you cannot get your homework done at night without staying up past ten or eleven on school nights, please talk to your parents about this. They can help you. Also, recognize that there are diminishing returns; I got the worst grade I ever got in college on a biochemistry exam after pulling my one and only all-nighter. Going to sleep earlier on the night before a test might be more beneficial than sacrificing sleep to study.
• Parents: Be conscious of how late your teens are staying up and how much time they are spending on their homework. If it seems excessive, please review your child’s schedule with him or her, and have a frank conversation with your child’s teachers.
• Educators:  Ask your students how long they are spending on homework. If they seem sleepy in class, talk about this issue with them and  their parents. Try to make sure that the culture of your school is such that homework is assigned for clear educational benefits, and not simply for the sake of doing so.

I would love to hear your perspectives on these issues. Of course, to paraphrase “Bones” McCoy , “I’m a sleep doctor, not a teacher.” However, if I was asking my patients to do a nightly treatment that required an hour or more of their time, I would have to be absolutely sure that it was helpful. I’m not convinced that homework meets that standard.  Do I have this issue all wrong? Let me know in the comments.  Is the homework load excessive in your town? I would love to hear.

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Is That Extra Hour of Study Time Worth It?

When students lose sleep, their performance suffers..

Posted April 23, 2013

It is no surprise that teens and young adults are a pretty sleep-deprived group. Yesterday morning at 9am, for example, I taught a small class here at the University of Texas. The students staggered into class looking like they could use a nap. I also have three teenagers . They generally stay up late and get up early during the week, hoping to catch up on weekends by sleeping all morning.

It is no surprise that teens and young adults are a pretty sleep-deprived group. Yesterday morning at 9am, for example, I taught a small class here at the University of Texas. The students staggered into class looking like they could use a nap. I also have three teenagers. They generally stay up late and get up early during the week, hoping to catch up on weekends by sleeping all morning.

There are lots of distractions in the modern world that lead people to stay up late in the night. For students, though, there is also homework. On the night before a big exam or a major paper, many students put in a lot of extra study time in order to prepare.

Does that extra study time help performance in school?

This question was explored in a studying the January, 2013 issue of Child Development by Cari Gillen-O’Neel, Virginia Huynh, and Andrew Fuligni. They tracked a group of high school students in 9 th , 10 th , and 12 th grade. At each grade level, students filled out a daily diary for 2 weeks.

Every evening during the study, the students rated the amount of sleep they got the day before, the amount of time they spent on homework, and they answered questions about any academic problems they had the previous day (like doing poorly on a test and having difficulty understanding new material).

Overall, there was a tendency for high school students to sleep less as they advanced in school. So, the 9 th -grade-students slept an average of 7.6 hours a night, while the 12 th -graders slept only 6.9 hours per night. Students experienced fewer academic problems as they advanced in school. That means that students are actually learning better school skills over the years.

The most important result, though, was that when students lost sleep because they spent extra time doing schoolwork, they had significantly more problems the next day than when they got their typical amount of sleep. This negative effect of extra study time was strongest for 12 th -grade-students and weaker for the 9 th - and 10 th -grade students.

What is going on here?

Sleep is important for many reasons. It helps memory . You consolidate memories during sleep. Sleep also helps you focus and sustain attention . Sleep also gives you energy to be active. You are much more likely to be a passive learner when you are tired. And you learn less when you are passive then when you actively engage with new material.

So, why are high-school Seniors hardest hit?

The 12 th -graders are sleeping least to begin with. They are just at the edge of their ability to function properly. When they disrupt their sleep schedule further with extra study, it has strong repercussions for the next school day. The 9 th - and 10 th -grade students are a bit more resilient , because they are not as strongly sleep-deprived.

What does this mean?

First off, this study reinforces the general observation that teens and young adults are not sleeping enough. Getting even an extra 30 minutes of sleep a night would be a huge benefit for this group.

Second, it means that students need to try to spread their work out over longer periods of time. It is an age-old tradition to cram for exams and to finish papers at the last minute. There are lots of good reasons to want to avoid cramming. For example, cramming for an exam may help a student pass that particular exam, but information learned the night before the test is not remembered in the long-term as well as information that is studied over several nights. If cramming for a test also reduces the amount of sleep a student is getting, then that just adds to the problem.

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High School Daze: The Perils Of Sacrificing Sleep For Late-Night Studying

Allison Aubrey

It may not be the best strategy to stay up late and cram. A new study finds that when teens don't get the sleep they need, all kinds of things can go poorly. iStockphoto.com hide caption

It may not be the best strategy to stay up late and cram. A new study finds that when teens don't get the sleep they need, all kinds of things can go poorly.

High school students with heavy academic course loads often find the demands of homework colliding with the need for adequate sleep. And a new study published in the journal C hild Development finds that when teens don't get the sleep they need on a given night, the next day all kinds of things can go poorly.

"What we learned is that when kids cram, particularly at the expense of sleep, the next day they're more likely to have academic problems even though they spent more time studying that night," explains researcher Andrew Fuligni of UCLA.

"These findings may come as a surprise to many researchers, educators, parents and teens who assume that more studying will surely lead to better grades," says Amy Wolfson , a professor of psychology at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

The study builds on a body of evidence that finds sleep and learning are inextricably linked.

"Lots of things happen during sleep," explains Helene Emsellem , director of The Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders in Chevy Chase, Md. "We don't just physically restore ourselves." We also process all the information we've gathered during the day. "We take the information and organize it and make all the connections," Emsellem explains. Without adequate sleep, students don't learn as well.

Maybe this explains why rising 12th-grader Patrick Ottolini from suburban Washington, D.C., has realized it's not always the best strategy to stay up late and cram.

"If it's, like, a big test, it's not going to work at all," he says.

Instead of sacrificing sleep, he says, he has learned it's best to try to pace himself and find regular chunks of time each day to study. His classmate David LoBosco says he has another strategy that works for him: When it comes to prepping the night before a quiz, he finds it better to get some sleep and set the alarm.

"You know, wake up early in the morning and study," he says.

The most helpful advice Emsellem gives families? "Have a lights-out time in the house," she says.

Emsellem has outlined strategies for success in the book Snooze or Lose . This can be helpful for teens — and their parents.

Wolfson says one caution about the new study is that the data are entirely self-reported rather than drawn from report cards or teacher reports. But she says it's important research that adds to our "need to remind school districts to think seriously about school start times, homework policies and the need to teach study skills and health to developing adolescents."

Here are some additional tips from Wolfson:

1. Keep a regular sleep-wake schedule throughout the week. When your schedule varies by more than 60 to 90 minutes day to day (or school nights vs. weekend nights), this can have negative consequences for academics, mood and health.

2. Try to get 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep a night: Best for middle and high school-age adolescents

3. Keep a regular study schedule: Trying to study late at night interferes with a teen's ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep, and may create an irregular sleep-wake schedule as noted above.

4. Minimize high-tech in one's sleep environment and particularly in the hour before trying to fall asleep (such as: text messaging, computer work/games, watching videos, etc.). These activities will also interfere with falling asleep and might wake you up at night if you keep your cellphone on during the night.

5. Eliminate caffeine from your diet, particularly 3 to 5 hours before trying to fall asleep.

• sleep deprivation
• Children's Health

Analyzing ‘the homework gap’ among high school students

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, michael hansen and michael hansen senior fellow - brown center on education policy , the herman and george r. brown chair - governance studies diana quintero diana quintero former senior research analyst, brown center on education policy - the brookings institution, ph.d. student - vanderbilt university.

August 10, 2017

Researchers have struggled for decades to identify a causal, or even correlational, relationship between time spent in school and improved learning outcomes for students. Some studies have focused on the length of a school year while others have focused on hours in a day and others on hours in the week .

In this blog post, we will look at time spent outside of school–specifically time spent doing homework–among different racial and socio-economic groups. We will use data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) to shed light on those differences and then attempt to explain those gaps, using ATUS data and other evidence.

What we know about out-of-school time

Measuring the relationship between out-of-school time and outcomes like test scores can be difficult. Researchers are primarily confounded by an inability to determine what compels students to choose homework during their time off over other activities. Are those who spend more time on homework just extra motivated? Or are they struggling students who need to work harder to keep up? What role do social expectations from parents or peers play?

Previous studies have examined the impact of this outside time use on educational outcomes for students. A 2007 study using data from Berea College in Kentucky identified a causal relationship between hours spent studying and a student’s academic performance through an interesting measure. The researchers took advantage of randomly assigned college roommates, paying attention to those who came to campus with a video game console in tow. They hypothesized students randomly assigned to a roommate without a video game console would study more, since all other factors remained equal. That hypothesis held up, and that group also received significantly higher grades, demonstrating the causal relationship.

Other research has relied on data collected through the American Time Use Survey, a study of how Americans spend their time, and shown the existence of a gender gap and a parental education gap in homework time. Other studies have looked at the relationship between holding a job and student’s time use in discretionary activities , like sleep, media consumption, and time spent on homework. We are curious about out-of-school differences in homework time by race and income.

Descriptive statistics of time use

We began with a general sample of 2,575 full-time high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 from the ATUS, restricting the sample to their answers about time spent on homework during weekdays and school months (September to May). Among all high school students surveyed (those that reported completing their homework and those that did not), the time allocated to complete homework amounted to less than an hour per day, despite the fact that high school teachers report they assign an average of 3.5 hours of homework per day.

To explore racial or income-based differences, in Figure 1, we plot the minutes that students reporting spending on homework separately by their racial/ethnic group and family income. We observed a time gap between racial groups, with Asian students spending the most time on homework (nearly two hours a day). Similarly, we observe a time gap by the students’ family income.

We can also use ATUS data to isolate when students do homework by race and by income. In Figure 2, we plot the percentage of high school students in each racial and income group doing homework by the time of day. Percentages remain low during the school day and then expectedly increase when students get home, with more Asian students doing more homework and working later into the night than other racial groups. Low-income students reported doing less homework per hour than their non-low-income peers.

Initial attempts to explain the homework gap

We hypothesized that these racial and income-based time gaps could potentially be explained by other factors, like work, time spent caring for others, and parental education. We tested these hypotheses by separating groups based on particular characteristics and comparing the average number of minutes per day spent on homework amongst the comparison groups.

Students who work predictably reported spending less time on educational activities, so if working disproportionately affected particular racial or income groups, then work could help explain the time gap. Students who worked allocated on average 20 minutes less for homework than their counterparts who did not work. Though low-income students worked more hours than their peers, they largely maintained a similar level of homework time by reducing their leisure or extracurricular activities. Therefore, the time gap on homework changed only slightly with the inclusion of work as a factor.

We also incorporated time spent taking care of others in the household. Though a greater percentage of low-income students take care of other household members, we found that this does not have a statistically significant effect on homework because students reduce leisure, rather than homework, in an attempt to help their families. Therefore, this variable again does not explain the time gaps.

Finally, we considered parental education, since parents with more education have been shown to encourage their children to value school more and have the resources to ensure homework is completed more easily. Our analysis showed students with at least one parent with any post-secondary degree (associate or above) reported spending more time on homework than their counterparts whose parents do not hold a degree; however, gaps by race still existed, even holding parental education constant. Turning to income levels, we found that parental education is more correlated with homework time among low-income students, reducing the time gap between income groups to only eight minutes.

Societal explanations

Our analysis of ATUS could not fully explain this gap in time spent on homework, especially among racial groups. Instead, we believe that viewing homework as an outcome of the culture of the school and the expectations of teachers, rather than an outcome of a student’s effort, may provide some reasons for its persistence.

Many studies, including recent research , have shown that teachers perceive students of color as academically inferior to their white peers. A 2016 study by Seth Gershenson et al. showed that this expectations gap can also depend on the race of the teacher. In a country where minority students make up nearly half of all public school students, yet minority teachers comprise just 18 percent of the teacher workforce, these differences in expectations matter.

Students of color are also less likely to attend high schools that offer advanced courses (including Advanced Placement courses) that would likely assign more homework, and thus access to rigorous courses may partially explain the gaps as well.

Research shows a similar, if less well-documented, gap by income, with teachers reporting lower expectations and dimmer futures for their low-income students. Low-income students and students of color may be assigned less homework based on lower expectations for their success, thus preventing them from learning as much and creating a self-fulfilling prophecy .

In conclusion, these analyses of time use revealed a substantial gap in homework by race and by income group that could not be entirely explained by work, taking care of others, or parental education. Additionally, differences in educational achievement, especially as measured on standardized tests, have been well-documented by race and by income . These gaps deserve our attention, but we should be wary of blaming disadvantaged groups. Time use is an outcome reflecting multiple factors, not simply motivation, and a greater understanding of that should help raise expectations–and therefore, educational achievement–all around.

Sarah Novicoff contributed to this post.

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When Is Homework Stressful? Its Effects on Students’ Mental Health

Are you wondering when is homework stressful? Well, homework is a vital constituent in keeping students attentive to the course covered in a class. By applying the lessons, students learned in class, they can gain a mastery of the material by reflecting on it in greater detail and applying what they learned through homework. 

However, students get advantages from homework, as it improves soft skills like organisation and time management which are important after high school. However, the additional work usually causes anxiety for both the parents and the child. As their load of homework accumulates, some students may find themselves growing more and more bored.

Students may take assistance online and ask someone to do my online homework . As there are many platforms available for the students such as Chegg, Scholarly Help, and Quizlet offering academic services that can assist students in completing their homework on time. 

Negative impact of homework

There are the following reasons why is homework stressful and leads to depression for students and affect their mental health. As they work hard on their assignments for alarmingly long periods, students’ mental health is repeatedly put at risk. Here are some serious arguments against too much homework.

No uniqueness

Homework should be intended to encourage children to express themselves more creatively. Teachers must assign kids intriguing assignments that highlight their uniqueness. similar to writing an essay on a topic they enjoy.

Moreover, the key is encouraging the child instead of criticizing him for writing a poor essay so that he can express himself more creatively.

Lack of sleep

One of the most prevalent adverse effects of schoolwork is lack of sleep. The average student only gets about 5 hours of sleep per night since they stay up late to complete their homework, even though the body needs at least 7 hours of sleep every day. Lack of sleep has an impact on both mental and physical health.

No pleasure

Students learn more effectively while they are having fun. They typically learn things more quickly when their minds are not clouded by fear. However, the fear factor that most teachers introduce into homework causes kids to turn to unethical means of completing their assignments.

Excessive homework

The lack of coordination between teachers in the existing educational system is a concern. As a result, teachers frequently end up assigning children far more work than they can handle. In such circumstances, children turn to cheat on their schoolwork by either copying their friends’ work or using online resources that assist with homework.

Anxiety level

Homework stress can increase anxiety levels and that could hurt the blood pressure norms in young people . Do you know? Around 3.5% of young people in the USA have high blood pressure. So why is homework stressful for children when homework is meant to be enjoyable and something they look forward to doing? It is simple to reject this claim by asserting that schoolwork is never enjoyable, yet with some careful consideration and preparation, homework may become pleasurable.

No time for personal matters

Students that have an excessive amount of homework miss out on personal time. They can’t get enough enjoyment. There is little time left over for hobbies, interpersonal interaction with colleagues, and other activities. 

However, many students dislike doing their assignments since they don’t have enough time. As they grow to detest it, they can stop learning. In any case, it has a significant negative impact on their mental health.

Children are no different than everyone else in need of a break. Weekends with no homework should be considered by schools so that kids have time to unwind and prepare for the coming week. Without a break, doing homework all week long might be stressful.

How do parents help kids with homework?

Encouraging children’s well-being and health begins with parents being involved in their children’s lives. By taking part in their homework routine, you can see any issues your child may be having and offer them the necessary support.

Set up a routine

Your student will develop and maintain good study habits if you have a clear and organized homework regimen. If there is still a lot of schoolwork to finish, try putting a time limit. Students must obtain regular, good sleep every single night.

Observe carefully

The student is ultimately responsible for their homework. Because of this, parents should only focus on ensuring that their children are on track with their assignments and leave it to the teacher to determine what skills the students have and have not learned in class.

Listen to your child

One of the nicest things a parent can do for their kids is to ask open-ended questions and listen to their responses. Many kids are reluctant to acknowledge they are struggling with their homework because they fear being labelled as failures or lazy if they do.

However, every parent wants their child to succeed to the best of their ability, but it’s crucial to be prepared to ease the pressure if your child starts to show signs of being overburdened with homework.

Talk to your teachers

Also, make sure to contact the teacher with any problems regarding your homework by phone or email. Additionally, it demonstrates to your student that you and their teacher are working together to further their education.

Homework with friends

If you are still thinking is homework stressful then It’s better to do homework with buddies because it gives them these advantages. Their stress is reduced by collaborating, interacting, and sharing with peers.

Additionally, students are more relaxed when they work on homework with pals. It makes even having too much homework manageable by ensuring they receive the support they require when working on the assignment. Additionally, it improves their communication abilities.

However, doing homework with friends guarantees that one learns how to communicate well and express themselves. 

Review homework plan

Create a schedule for finishing schoolwork on time with your child. Every few weeks, review the strategy and make any necessary adjustments. Gratefully, more schools are making an effort to control the quantity of homework assigned to children to lessen the stress this produces.

Bottom line

Finally, be aware that homework-related stress is fairly prevalent and is likely to occasionally affect you or your student. Sometimes all you or your kid needs to calm down and get back on track is a brief moment of comfort. So if you are a student and wondering if is homework stressful then you must go through this blog.

While homework is a crucial component of a student’s education, when kids are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to perform, the advantages of homework can be lost and grades can suffer. Finding a balance that ensures students understand the material covered in class without becoming overburdened is therefore essential.

Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.

Psychreg is a digital media company and not a clinical company. Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis.

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How homework is affecting students’ sleep

In most of the world school has been in session for a few months now, with many students starting to eye-up the upcoming holiday breaks. One reason for this is tiredness. The extent of how tired many students are comes via a survey from Sleep Cycle , who produce an app to help people to monitor the quality of the sleep they are receiving. Multiple studies have shown that present day high school students do not receive an optimal amount of sleep.

The new survey has found that children are seldom getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Nearly half (46 percent) of parents have reported that their children get 7 hours or less of sleep each night. One factor influencing this is homework. The survey found that the vast majority (88 percent) of teens have reported how they regularly need to stay up late to finish school projects. Here some 59 percent state they need to have these late night cramming sessions on a weekly or daily basis.

The survey was conducted of over 1,000 U.S. adults and teens, with interviewed conducted by Propeller Research on behalf of Sleep Cycle, and provided to Digital Journal. The questionnaires took place in September 2018, and the results have not been published elsewhere. The headline finding is that homework keeps students up too late. Coupled with early school start times leads to many students falling asleep in class.

Without sufficient sleep, parents report that their children:

Are moody — 64 percent, Are grumpy and disagreeable — 61 percent, Get into more trouble at school — 28 percent, Make worse life choices — 20 percent.

A factor that both parents and teens report as not helping the situation is the school start time. Here 52 percent of parents and 61 percent of teens are of the view that school starts too early. The students report that their school work suffers because of the early start time and that early school start times inhibit them from being productive later in the day. Conversely a alter start time as seen as something that would lead to more productive class work.

According to the National Sleep Foundation : “When schools shift their schedules, teens benefit. For example, seven high schools in Minneapolis moved their start times from 7:25 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and tested the outcomes for their students. As a result of the change, the teens got five or more extra hours of sleep per week, and attendance and enrollment rates went up, as did alertness. Meanwhile, student-reported depression went down.”

Sleep Cycle, along with many parents and teens, is pushing for a change to schooling policy.

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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A community of motivated learners! Here we share tips, methods and experiences to improve our study habits. Join us to stay on track, reach your goals, and be part of a supportive team.

Tips for staying up late - studying and doing homework

I use the pomodoro method to help me focus and have little breaks. I listen to lofi music while studying.

These are the things I do to keep myself awake while studying:

Drink coffee or tea

Do stretching or light exercise

Walk around the house or dance

Eat (rarely because I can't focus and I'm watching my weight)

However, a lot of times I still feel sleepy after that. I used to sleep a lot so adjusting to this is hard for me. I also wake up very early everyday.

What tips can you give me to stay awake? I have too much to study and do even though I don't cram. I appreciate your help.

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Colleges keep closing. Are regulators doing enough to warn students?

The biden administration has aggressively tackled college oversight. but universities are still closing without warning, leaving students and faculty in the lurch..

During college, many young people meet friends they’ll have for the rest of their lives. They play sports together. They’re in bands. They take similar classes for their majors. 

But a university has to stay open long enough for students to create those bonds. In less than two years, two colleges shut their doors on Victoria Hebert. Thankfully, the rising junior has a small circle of friends who’ve also been caught up in sudden closures at the same pair of New York campuses. After Wells College said it would cease operations this year, the group of young women plans to transfer to a third school – hopefully their last – in Michigan in the fall. 

“These girls are amazing,” said Victoria’s mom, Mia Mazza. Between the pandemic and hopscotching campuses, “they haven’t had a normal school year since their freshman year of high school.” 

When the mother and daughter learned in April that Victoria would have to find a third new college, they were completely caught off guard. So were the students and faculty members at the University of the Arts, a private college in Philadelphia that abruptly announced in May that it would shutter in June, not long after Wells said it was dissolving. Two University of the Arts students told USA TODAY they first learned about the news not from the school, but from a news story in the Philadelphia Inquirer .

In a class action lawsuit against the school, students said college administrators violated consumer protection law and failed to notify regulators that the institution was financially unstable. (The university and a lawyer for the school did not respond to USA TODAY’s emailed requests for comment.) Such litigation typically accompanies unexpected college closures.

Colleges fold all the time. But metrics show they have been dissolving at a faster pace in recent decades, especially after the 2008 financial crisis. There are indications the trend may accelerate: Over the first half of this year, roughly one higher education institution per week announced it would close or merge, per one estimate . A crisis in college financial aid this year – which will have downstream effects on enrollment, especially at smaller schools – could make things worse. 

In the past few years, the Biden administration has taken an aggressive approach to college oversight, picking up on work Trump administration officials paused or undid. Though Biden has made student loan forgiveness a hallmark of his agenda, the president has also been adamant about fixing the root causes of massive student debt. A key piece of that puzzle is preventing colleges from closing with little or no warning. 

That task is challenging, regardless of who’s in the White House because the federal government’s metrics for identifying at-risk private colleges have long been flawed. The most recent flutter of high-profile closures underscores how necessary federal intervention may be to protect the lives of students and faculty from getting derailed in the coming years. Tragic stories from students like Hebert are bringing new urgency to efforts to improve the government’s warning signs that a campus is flailing.

“It’s hard to see a world where colleges stop closing,” said Robert Kelchen, a higher education professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a renowned policy expert. “So the challenge becomes: When do people know that their college is at risk?”

‘We’re not going through this again’

Hebert's frustrating college journey started about two Christmases ago, when her mom received an email from the president of Cazenovia College, a small private school in New York state with a legacy stretching back nearly 200 years. 

“I regret to inform you that after much deliberation, the Cazenovia College Board of Trustees has determined that due to financial concerns, the College will not be enrolling students for the 2023-2024 academic year,” the president wrote to parents in early December 2022. 

Though they’d read some troubling news stories about the school defaulting on a multimillion-dollar municipal bond, they didn’t expect things to escalate so quickly. On the bright side, Victoria still had a semester to make a game plan. 

She transferred to Wells College, a similar school about 90 minutes away. Her mom, Mia, said she sat down with the president of the school in January 2023, and he assured her that the school’s finances were in good shape. (The school did not respond to a request for comment about the closure or the meeting.)

Mia was frank: “We’re not going through this again,” she said. But after her daughter had been at the new school for about a year, an eerily familiar message landed in their inboxes. 

“I am devastated to have to write that our beloved Wells College is closing its doors,” said an April 29 email from the school’s president. 

Victoria was getting ready to go to her 8 a.m. Spanish class when she found out. It was the Monday before the last week of the term. Her class was quickly canceled. So Victoria met up with her two friends, the ones who had also transferred with her from Cazenovia. 

“We all got together and just yelled,” she said. Her mom called in tears.

University of the Arts stuns students with sudden closure

About a month later and a few hundred miles away from Wells, Isabel Rose Catalan was sitting in bed reading when she got similar news. She was having a “great little summer evening” in Philadelphia after an excursion to a museum with her grandmother, when her phone lit up with text messages. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer was reporting her school, the University of the Arts, was closing. As with the startling announcement at Wells, students and faculty at Catalan’s college were shocked. Catalan had just a year left before she was set to complete her creative writing degree. 

“Who transfers for their senior year?” she asked herself. 

She had chosen UArts in part because it was close to home. Her mom died suddenly just before the pandemic, when she was a junior in high school. The college’s location made it possible for her to stay in a place that was familiar at a time when the world felt disorienting. 

“In the past four years, I feel like I’ve had a lot taken away from me,” she said.

Catalan transferred to Drexel University, another private university in Philadelphia, and is set to start in the fall. She still doesn't know for sure what her financial aid package will look like.

The closures at Wells and UArts didn’t just surprise folks on campus – they also seemed to startle college watchdogs. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education – an accreditor responsible for ensuring that colleges in its purview are operating above board – yanked both schools’ accreditation statuses around the time of their respective closures. 

Nicole Biever, the chief of staff at Middle States, said in an interview the organization is committed to transparency and is always reflecting on its procedures. But accreditors expect colleges to provide them with accurate and honest information, she said, especially when they’re on shaky ground. 

“Institutions close; it happens,” she said. “We expect that institutions will plan for that closure.”

A ‘resource-constrained’ agency

For decades, the U.S. Department of Education has assigned private colleges a “ financial responsibility composite score .” As the name implies, the rating is an assessment of whether a nonprofit or for-profit college or university is balancing its budget appropriately, as a condition of participating in federal financial aid programs. Though it’s not the only measurement the agency uses to eyeball schools’ finances, it’s a significant part of the equation. 

But critics, including experts and independent groups , have said much of the math underlying the score is outdated. And using it to determine whether a school is about to close isn’t very predictive, especially because the measurement is based on years-old tax data. Even the federal government has acknowledged that schools are aware of ways to manipulate it. 

The latest publicly available composite score for the University of the Arts on the Education Department’s standard webpage used to store them is from the fiscal year ending in June 2020. At the time, the agency gave the school a passing grade. Wells’ most recent publicly available score on the same webpage, from the fiscal year ending in June 2019, also deemed it financially responsible. 

Since the score was established in the 1990s , it hasn’t changed significantly, said Justin Monk, who oversees student and institutional aid policy at the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities. That has long been a problem, he said.

“For a variety of reasons, the score itself isn’t really good at doing what it’s purported to do,” Monk said. “There’s been a longstanding need, I mean decadeslong need, to make some substantive changes to it.” 

Yet overhauling the scoring system for colleges would be a massive undertaking, according to Blake Harden, a former Education Department official who served under President Barack Obama. 

“Hiring a big firm to go in and evaluate a lot of data is going to be expensive,” he said. And “ the department has been resource-constrained.” 

Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, are pushing to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the budget of the office that oversees college financial aid. At a time when the GOP opposes funding the federal Education Department even at its current levels, taking on another massive project would require tons of money. Comprehensively improving the safeguards that are supposed to protect students like Hebert and Catalan from having their college experiences turned upside down would be no easy task. 

New oversight rules in the early stages

In July, the Education Department enacted a slate of fresh regulations meant to address some of the limitations of the composite score for colleges. Under the revised rules, schools that try to game their rankings will be punished. They’ll also be disciplined if other warning signs crop up. Those “triggering events” include accreditation problems, worrisome changes to financial aid or abruptly shutting down programs that enroll lots of students. 

“College closures and institutional financial instability create significant costs for students and taxpayers,” the agency said in a news release about the new rules. 

The department has had a lot on its to-do list lately. Amid massive reforms to student loan programs, officials screwed up the rollout of upgrades to the college financial aid process – creating a mess that has consumed time and energy, lowered morale in one of the agency’s most important offices and caused families of college students nationwide to lose faith in the government.

In recent months, Kelchen, the education professor in Tennessee, has noticed that the Education Department is also months late in releasing another longstanding list of schools on shaky financial footing. The agency typically publishes a record of colleges on a type of oversight called “heightened cash monitoring” every few months. 

Department spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry about why that index has been delayed. Kelchen said other, more pressing priorities may be getting in the way.

“I think it’s an issue of bandwidth,” he said.

Contributing: USA TODAY data and graphics reporter Carlie Procell

Zachary Schermele covers education and breaking news for   USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele .