Sleep Deprivation is Harming Our Students

50,000 students participated in a quantitive sleep study. More than 30% suffered because of insufficient sleep.

​That lack of sleep makes it harder for kids to learn and to behave well when challenged.
"It's important for parents to recognize the widespread impact of not getting enough sleep, and the impact on a child's flourishing. Sufficient sleep can help enhance child development," said study author Dr. Hoi See Tsao. She's a paediatric emergency fellow at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University.

​What is sufficient sleep? 

Often overlooked in student research is the impact of growth and development. High schoolers should get between eight and 10 hours a night, while kids aged 6 to 12 should clock in between nine and 12 hours of shut-eye nightly. Sleep not only allows the brain time to expel toxins which result from thinking, it is vital to allow the growth of muscles, bones and joint structures.
The study team looked at a nationally representative sample of nearly 50,000 kids and teens. Parents or caregivers were asked about the kids' sleeping habits. They were also asked about markers that indicate if a child is flourishing in certain areas, such as expressing interest in learning new things or being able to calm down.
The researchers adjusted the findings to account for other factors that might impair a child's ability to flourish, such as poverty, TV time, time with computers, phones, video games and other technology, abuse or neglect, and mental health conditions.
Just over 36% of 6- to 12-year-olds didn't get enough sleep, and 32% of high schoolers also came up short on sleep, the investigators found.
Not getting enough sleep had a number of negative consequences. The researchers found that compared to their well-rested peers. Kids aged 6 to 12 who didn't get enough sleep, have:

• 61% higher odds of not showing interest or curiosity when learning new things.
• 45% increased odds of not caring about doing well in school.
• 44% higher odds of not doing all of their required homework.

In those aged 13 to 17, the sleepier children were more likely to have:

• 36% higher odds of not doing all of their required homework.
• 34% increased odds of not showing interest or curiosity when learning new things.
• 34% increased odds of not staying calm and in control when faced with a challenge.

​Dr. Suzette Oyeku, at Children's Hospital at Montefiore, in New York City said the study gives parents a different way to explain the importance of sleep. For example, if a child is repeatedly having trouble calming down, "it's helpful for parents to be able to say, 'The way you feel is tied to how much sleep you're getting.'"

​How parents can get their kids to get a better night of sleep.

​Screens need to be off at least 30 minutes before bed. Get rid of any screens in the bedroom. Both experts said it's good to have a regular bedtime, and for younger kids, Oyeku said that a bedtime routine is important.
With any age group, Oyeku said to make time to connect and have conversations with your child. A goodnight conversation should include asking children what worries or concerns they have, clearing their minds of stress. This has a side effect of leading to deeper sleep.