Sleep deprivation due to evolving societal pressures is a growing issue quietly affecting high schoolers' mental and physical health. 

The Harbinger talked to Michael Bajkowski, a polysomnographic specialist and certified sleep educator with Saint Luke's Sleep Disorders Program, about the harmful effects of sleep deprivation in students.

“Lack of sleep doesn’t only affect focus,” Bajkowski said. “It has overwhelming health consequences on memory consolidation, athletic functions, increased levels of anxiety and depression, irritability and lack of motivation that are becoming more obvious as society evolves. Consequences of exhaustion and the coping mechanisms to deal with them are both becoming more extreme.”

Read the full Harbinger article: Can't Unwind

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