This week I have something new that would change all teenagers' life amazingly. I, along with every other teen could use more sleep. Carskadon, an expert in sleep and teen development, says at puberty, teens' nightly need for sleep drops a little bit from childrens' nightly need for sleep. But generally, very few teens come even close to getting their needed sleep. While everyone requires different amounts of sleep in order to function, studies show that teenagers need at least 91/4 hours of sleep every night. Here is a tip; if you want to do your best in school get the right amount of sleep for your body. If you get enough sleep you will have better test scores, you will have better overall grades, you will have more energy, and your athletic skill will improve. The long term effects of lack of sleep are less well know, but they are definately there and effecting people all over the world. If you don't get enough sleep it is possible to get DIABETES and weight gain. Getting enough sleep is critical to your lifestyle and you will be so much happier when you do.