Sleep Deprivation Among Illinois High School Students: Prevalence, Causes, and Academic Impact

Amelia Cole et al.
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:30:00 PDT

Sleep deprivation is a widespread issue among high school students across Illinois, often visible through fatigue in class, difficulty concentrating, and frequent reliance on energy drinks such as Monster, Alani, and Celsius. Academic rigor, extracurricular commitments, late-night studying, and social obligations often compete with students’ need for rest, creating a cycle in which sleep is consistently deprioritized. Research shows that chronic sleep loss negatively affects cognitive performance, mood regulation, and physical health, with potential consequences including reduced focus, slower processing speed, increased stress, and reduced academic performance. This project investigates the prevalence and impact of sleep deprivation among students at three Illinois high schools: [insert schools]. We distributed anonymous surveys to gather data on sleep habits, caffeine consumption, and perceived academic performance. By analyzing these responses, we aim to identify broader trends and better understand how sleep deprivation shapes student experiences across diverse school environments.