INTERVIEW BY SHANYA CHAPEL

The Forum interviewed Lincoln-Sudbury nurses Joan Gaumnitz and Jane Cavallo to learn about the health risks of not getting enough sleep. Here is a summary of what they had to say:

Q: How do you think sleeping affects teenagers?

A: Often kids who do not get enough sleep will not be able to concentrate or focus in classes.

Q: What is a normal or healthy amount of sleep for a teenager?

A: Eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. But this is often interrupted, even when it seems like they’re going to bed at a reasonable hour, by distractions such as computers, television and instant messaging.

Q: What are some signs of serious lack of sleep?

A: Falling asleep in class, headaches, upset stomach, and a loss of concentration. A lack of sleep can increase anxiety levels, especially of juniors and seniors when [those years are] stressful and overwhelming.

Q: Is it more crucial for teenagers to get an adequate nights sleep compared to adults?

A: Yes, because teenagers are still growing and with involvement with all those extracurriculars it is hard to fit in sleep, and it doesn’t help that we have such an early start time.

Q: What are some serious consequences of losing sleep?

A: It may affect their job performance when they are out of school, and affect their productivity. Lack of sleep could cause possible car accidents because they may fall asleep behind the wheel due to chronic fatigue.

Q: What sleep disorders do you see the most often?

A: Sleep apnea, which often is seen in kids who are overweight or have enlarged tonsils. Because this disorder affects breathing for short periods and interrupts sleep, it is difficult to fall back asleep. Some people use a CPAP machine or take medication to help this. Another common sleep disorder is insomnia, which is often caused by things going on in school, peer pressure, or depression.