About 80% of average American adults do not get the minimum required hours of sleep per night. Knowing how much sleep we need per night and getting enough sleep each night is important for everyone's mental and physical health. Lack of sleep will lead to serious health problems and affect daily mental functions. We grow at a faster rate when we are in adolescence, which means that adolescents need more sleep than at any other age, for their bodies and minds to develop effectively. The only way humans can function is by sleeping. Teenagers need a lot of sleep because they are at the peak of their growth. The UCLA Sleep and Health Center states that “adolescents are at an important stage in their growth and development. For this reason, they need more sleep than adults. The average teenager needs about nine hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well-rested.” This means that teenagers exceed the average number adults need by two hours. While teenagers grow a lot physically, teenagers also experience a lot of mental growth because of school, research shows that school can really affect the amount of sleep teenagers get because "Most schools start classes very early The morning. After a long day at school, teens may also have to study for hours at home. An early start and lots of homework can combine to make it difficult for them to fall asleep on time (sleepers and adolescents). valuable sleep that teenagers need. Ensuring teens get enough sleep is important and benefits everyone. People don't always know why it's important to sleep because they don't understand what our brains do while we sleep. One of the most important steps is...... middle of paper...... Humans function by sleeping and resting each day. By getting the rest that all humans need, we stay healthy and are at less mental and physical risk. Teenagers will grow more effectively in school if they get plenty of sleep each night. We can also prevent car accidents and protect those around us when we make sure we get enough sleep and don't drive when we are sleepy or tired. Taking naps can affect our sleep at night if we nap too often, but when you're feeling really tired and take a short nap, it can make you feel better and more functional during the day. You're at greater risk of heart problems, strokes, and other health problems when you're sleep deprived. Sleeping also makes you more likely to focus and concentrate, making you more successful in school or work. Sleep is important for every human being and it helps us perform at our best every day...