By Year 9 pupil Lucy
All throughout this year’s National Bed Month, there is a big focus on how well young people are sleeping and how they can sleep better. As part of the awareness month, a study was conducted to show that on average, teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, despite the fact that only 15% of teens are getting the recommended amount of sleep.
As part of National Bed Month, you are recommended to:
- Keep your room completely dark as you are sleeping. For example, you could use blackout curtains and an eye mask to help keep your room dark.
- Turn off your TV and phone an hour before you sleep, as the screen will keep you awake for much longer. Instead, you could read a book or a magazine to help you fall asleep quicker!
- Decorate your room with pictures of happy memories or loved ones to make you feel more relaxed during the hours before you sleep.
- Make sure that you are sleeping on a comfortable bed and make sure you have a thick enough blanket or duvet to keep you warm.
If you do not get enough sleep, this could result in effects such as:
- Limiting your ability to learn, listen and solve problems. You may forget important information like names, numbers and important things you have to do.
- Lack of sleep has been linked to skin problems, such as spot outbreaks and acne.
- Higher risk of conditions such as chronic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- You are three times more likely to develop mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Overall, it is incredibly important that all pupils get the recommended amount of sleep, so that they lower the chances of any of the risks, and so they can concentrate on their learning, contributing to better academic results!