No As without the Zzzzs

There is a growing problem of students going to bed late. Nowadays, students are very busy, with many taking extra lessons plus doing their homework, and preparing for exams. There's just not enough time to do all this in one day. So, a lot of students find themselves still working at midnight.

Students who go to bed late will be tired the next day. They will find it difficult to concentrate on lessons and their education will be affected.

Going to sleep late also causes health problems. Doctors say that teenagers need to sleep for 8-9 hours per day. However, students who work until after midnight will just have a few hours to sleep.

Everyone knows it is not right, but how many of us really go to sleep at the right time? I guess no more than half. It is a very serious problem in Hong Kong, and I think we should solve it as soon as possible.

Wayne Lam, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Wayne. A recent study on the mainland showed that 70 per cent of the 30,000 students under 18 didn't get enough sleep. And clearly the problem is similarly worrying in Hong Kong.

Research has found that, if you don't get enough sleep, your memory and concentration deteriorate, your ability to learn declines, communication skills worsen, and you're more likely to pick unnecessary arguments.

Too little sleep can also affect your growth, immune system, and weight - if you don't sleep enough, you're likely to become fat.

I know we Hongkongers, and perhaps students above all, live incredibly busy lives - what with school, homework and after-school activities, not to mention trying to find time to spend with friends and family, sleep can often seem like a waste of time. But believe me, it's not. Make time to sleep. It's an investment in your health and in your future.

Karly, Deputy Editor