So much work I actually think it's affecting my health...

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>I'm doing the IB Diploma and honestly, I'm not sure why... I don't need it, I'm a US citizen going to an American college and I'm not interested in schools in England or anything at the moment... I feel like it just makes you look better and apparently it prepares you for college? Junior year with the IB was a piece of cake, and it's only been a month of senior year and I'm DYING. I just got a 27% on my SL Mandarin test and don't understand anything, I'm working on my HL psychology IA, I finished my HL theatre TPPP and starting on my theatre RI, I didn't start on EE yet, we're about to start our SL Math IAs and my teacher doesn't teach, I have rehearsals almost everyday (except Sundays) until 5 PM, plus I don't have many colleges I want to go to... I usually sleep at 1 or 2 AM every night and wake up at 7 AM, and I know that's not bad for most of you, but I NEED sleep. I've been so sleep deprived for so long that it's been building up and hitting me REAL hard. Caffeine does not work on me - not even chugging 2 cans of Monster. I've slept in so many times that if I sleep in any more, I won't get the credits for that class (math) and it's only been a month of school... </p>

<p>LONG STORY SHORT - I'm dying. I've been so exhausted every single day that it's been affecting my mood and social life. I've considered dropping IB Diploma but I just think that's not such a great idea... I need time management tips! I have no motivation, because I'm just tired and everything ends up frustrating me... Please, am I not alone here? Do you guys have any encouragement or advice? :(</p>

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<p>Not a high schooler, parent here, but the title of your thread caught my eye. My daughter also carried a very rigorous courseload and routinely got less than 5 hours sleep. She was a 3 sport athlete, with 2 in-season sports during the fall. She also traveled for competitions and official visits 6 times during the 1st semester of her senior year. The key to survival for her was time management! She used a planner religiously and blocked out specific study time for tests, papers and large projects. She also took short power naps whenever she could fit them in. And she slept in on Sunday mornings, but not too late, or she would be dragging all day.</p>

<p>While living on that little sleep is not ideal, it certainly will not kill you! Make sure that you are eating properly and getting regular excercise. Take advantage of any free time you have to either nap or study. And be careful with your internet usage! Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. are all huge consumers of your time, you can easily burn an hour without even realizing it. When you are feeling particularly stressed, take a walk with a friend. You will feel so much better afterwards! And my last bit of advice, make sure to carve out some time to just relax. Best of luck, you can do this! And when you get to college, you will be so grateful for the time management skills you developed in high school.</p>