Tag Archives: Teens

Is lack of sleep affecting teens’ education?

 

Teens and sleep deprivation

A recent study by Boston College found that Sleep Deprivation plays an important role in lowering the achievement of schoolchildren. The research suggested the problem is more prevalent in more affluent countries, with sleep experts linking it to the use of mobile phones and computers in bedrooms late at night.

The BBC reported: ‘The international comparison, carried out by Boston College, found the United States to have the highest number of sleep-deprived students, with 73% of 9 and 10-year-olds and 80% of 13 and 14-year-olds identified by their teachers as being adversely affected…Other countries with the most sleep-deprived youngsters were New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Australia, England, Ireland and France.’

Young people need the right amount of sleep in order to function to the best of their ability. Other studies have shown that sleep patterns in young people are different from those of adults or younger children. This is something that many parents know all too well: that their teens stay up later and lie in bed for longer periods in the morning.  It is generally agreed that teens need about 8 – 9 hours of sleep each night to function best. However, many young people do not get this amount as they tend to go to sleep later at night and are up early for school during the week.

Exams, anxiety and sleep

As many parents know, exam time can be particularly stressful for teens. Feeling stressed and anxious can affect sleeping patterns so it is important that young people learn to establish a good sleeping pattern to help them deal with these times. Chad Minnich, of the TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Center said: I think we underestimate the impact of sleep. Our data show that across countries internationally, on average, children who have more sleep achieve higher in maths, science and reading. That is exactly what our data show.”  

It’s important that you help your teen to learn how to relax if they are experiencing anxiety or stress. An anxious young person will find it very difficult to relax and get a good night’s sleep. One way is to set aside some time each day, preferably before bedtime, to discuss the day and sort out any issues or problems they may be experiencing. Other ways that your teen can help themselves to get a good night’s sleep are listed below.

Self-help sleep tips for teens

  1. Establish a bedtime routine by going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
  2. Try and wind down at night by doing a relaxing activity i.e. something that is not going to stimulate your brain, such as listening to calming music or reading a book.
  3. Incorporate some exercise into your routine earlier in the day.
  4. Avoid caffeine or high-sugar content drinks as they can lead to over stimulation.
  5. Create a relaxing sleep environment in your bedroom. Turn off game consoles, TVs, mobile phones or any other distracting technology devices.
  6. Ensure your bed is giving you the right support. Many teens quickly outgrow the bed they had when they were younger. Many now opt for a double-sized bed to give them extra room and space to stretch out on.

 What to do next

Dalzell’s is an accredited Sleep Council retailer which means our expert staff are on-hand to provide advice on sleep related issues. Visit us in-store to meet with the team where we’ll only be too happy to discuss your bedding requirements. Based in Markethill we’re located between Newry and Armagh, so ideally placed to welcome customers from Banbridge, Dungannon and Belfast.  With over 500 beds in stock, we’re confident you’ll find a new bed that suits your growing teen, or for any other member of the family. No time to visit? No problem. Call us on T: 028 3755 1260,  Email or view our great selection of beds and mattresses online at ArmaghBeds.com. Our bed and mattress brands include Respa, Sleeptight, King Koil, Kaymed, Staples and Myer’s, so there’s a style and design to meet everyone’s sleep needs. What’s more we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service and Free Delivery throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan.