Anticipated Date of Graduation

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences

Department

Mathematical Sciences

First Advisor

Doug Darbro

Abstract

Background Adequate sleep suggested for adolescence is between 8-10 hours per night, however teenagers often fall short in meeting this recommendation. Current research is aimed at determining factors that contribute most to this shortcoming, as well as the impact sleep has on the body, mainly through the ideas of the brain plasticity framework. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sleep habits, academic success, and attendance rate in high school students with the aim to show that sleep is an essential aspect in adolescent students as well as identify different contributors as to why teens are unable to maintain a healthy sleep pattern. Methods Students enrolled at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio will be surveyed via the Teen Sleep Habits Survey as developed by the University of Minnesota. Responses were analyzed using R and hypotheses are tested using multiple regression techniques. Relationships between variables are examined and conclusions will be drawn based on the implications of the findings. Results A sample size of 69 students were surveyed and data was collected from January 2024 through April 2024. Variables such as students end of course scores, grade point average (GPA), school attendance, LED light usage, work status, activity participation, and sleep habits were tested against respective hypotheses. Some variables, such as work status, end of course scores, and attendance were found to be significant in determining a iv student’s GPA; none of the tested variables showed a significant impact on attendance, and only an individual’s gender was shown to determine sleep habits. Conclusion The study illustrates the effect of numerous variables on overall student life, including their GPA, school attendance, and their sleep habits. Complex relationships among these factors exist and further research should be done to determine mitigation strategies related to overcoming the challenges presented. Key words: Adequate sleep, brain plasticity framework, academic success, healthy sleep patterns

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