MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – With some students already back at school, experts and educators are focusing on the importance of a healthy sleep schedule.
With the new semester starting, many students will have to adjust to new sleep schedules, and Marquette Alger RESA's student wellness coordinator says younger students especially need more sleep.
“We know that when it comes to brain development and function, especially in young people, elementary school students need nine to 12 hours of sleep a night, and middle and high school students need eight to 10 hours of sleep,” said Kelly Sager, Marquette Alger RESA student wellness coordinator.
To ensure that time, limiting screen time at night is key, Sager says.
“Research shows that most kids today are sleep-deprived and technology is a contributing factor. Keep technology out of the bedroom, the bedroom should be a place for sleep. There should be no technology, no TV, etc. in the bedroom and it should be removed at least an hour before bedtime,” Sager said.
She also encourages parents to set a firm schedule. A pediatric psychologist at the University of Michigan Health School said sleep affects many areas of a student's life.
“We know that sleep affects everything: It affects kids' physical health, their mental health, how they do in school, how well they pay attention, and their ability to make friends,” says Dawn Dore Stitz, M.D., a pediatric psychologist at the University of Michigan Health Center and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
Dore Stitz also says lack of sleep can be harmful.
“Lack of sleep can completely disrupt a child's mental health and make it harder for them to concentrate at school,” Dore Stitz said.
Dore Stitz also says getting enough exercise during the day can help students get a better night's sleep.
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