An Exploration of the Sleeping Habits among the High School Students Enrolled in a Chinese Private School in Cebu City

Purpose: This study aims to explore the sleeping habits of high school students in a Chinese private school located in Cebu City, with an emphasis on understanding how they perceive these sleep patterns to affect their daily academic performance and classroom engagement. Method: This study utilized the phenomenological study approach where the researchers seek to explore in detail and uncover the experiences of the participants regarding their sleeping habits. It was conducted through one-on-one semi-structured interviews. It was supplemented with data triangulation by interviewing a group of parents and another group of teachers to ensure precision and accuracy. Purposive sampling was based on the following criteria: must be enrolled in a Chinese private school in Cebu City and must be a high school student. A total of ten (10) high school students, with two (2) participants from each grade level (excluding Grade 12). For data triangulation, two (2) focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted, one composed of three (3) parents and the other composed of three (3) teachers. The data were gathered through verbatim transcriptions which were analyzed and interpreted through coding and themes. Findings: This study revealed four main themes regarding the sleeping habits of high school students at a Chinese private school in Cebu City. The first theme, Students’ Usage of Time, highlights how bedtime procrastination and academic cramming cause students to sleep late. The second theme, Effects of Less Sleep, shows how this lack of rest leads to physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and strained family interactions. To handle these daily challenges, the third theme, Coping with Sleep Deprivation, explains the students' survival strategies, such as keeping awake in class, trying to fix sleep schedules, and napping. Finally, the fourth theme, Self-Realization, captures the students' growing awareness of their habits, showing improvements in time management, the recognition of unproductive academic performance, and a better recognition of parental guidance. Significance: This study provides critical insights into the sleep-related struggles of high school students, offering a foundation for teachers, guidance personnel, and parents to better understand and proactively respond to their structural and emotional well-being needs. Conclusion: Sleep deprivation has become a crisis among high school students, which is detrimental to their physical, mental, and social well-being. Students get trapped in a loop of late-night academic cramming and bedtime procrastinations, causing their health at risk. Ultimately, building strict time management, mindful phone habits, and a strong self-awareness supported by consistent parental guidance is a necessity that students must not take it lightly.