There’s ample research demonstrating the connection between sleep and how well students perform. Sleep is not only a factor with learning and then retrieving new information, but both the quality and quantity of sleep impacts activities ranging from athletic performances to the ability to have empathy for others. Research also shows connections between sleep and a healthy immune system and overall mental health. And recent studies have even shown there’s an element of truth to getting one’s ‘beauty sleep’!
Schools, particularly at the secondary and college level, have taken note of this research and some have scheduled their classes to begin later in the morning. But in order for students to get optimal levels of sleep, this goal needs to become a higher priority throughout every 24-hour period. Strategies such as limiting technology before bedtimes or setting curfews on social media help, but any parent will tell you setting and maintaining these boundaries is an uphill battle. The short-term allure of social media is only increasing. Furthermore, adults need to consistently model good sleep habits themselves, which isn’t always easy, and then help students understand the many benefits of sufficient and regular sleep habits.
Though getting a good night’s sleep before an exam is important and may account for nearly one-fourth of the difference among students’ grades, it turns out that long-term sleep habits over months and even years also has a significant impact. Students who sleep eight hours every night out perform students who average eight hours by sleeping nine hours some nights and seven hours others.
With an increasing amount of research highlighting the importance of good and consistent sleep, it should become easier to convince students of the need to go to bed at reasonable times. Unfortunately, most parents I speak with tell me the opposite is true. So as further studies point toward the range of benefits of a good night’s sleep, we need to double our efforts to protect this essential part of our daily and nightly routines.
