Wellbeing & Culture
Sleep and Wellbeing
As we continue to adjust and dive into our new routines of school, I thought it would be good to highlight the importance of keeping a strong, solid sleep schedule. During weekends and coming out of holidays especially it can become more and more of a temptation to stay on our devices, push dinnertime back, go to bed later and not get enough sleep. It is rarely our intention to deprive the family of a good night’s sleep, but it is often a struggle that we are constantly trying to improve on.
When we don’t get enough sleep there is risk of:
- Emotional outbursts
- Over eating
- Craving more sugary/ fatty foods
- Lack of focus
- Shorter tolerance
- Mood drops
- Risky behaviours
- Weaker immune system
- Weaker physical strength and energy
- And more stuff that isn’t good for anyone.
A good bedtime routine is key for keeping a strong holistic wellbeing. It is recommended that our students get between 9-12 hours of sleep each night.
It is recommended that children have the same bedtime routine on weekends to make it easier on those often-rough Monday mornings. It is also recommended that if your child is struggling to sleep, you limit items in a bedroom, start with any devices, but even toys can be a massive distraction from sleep if the child is visual. Most of the time, the more boring a bedroom is, the easer it will be for children to fall asleep.
It is common to struggle with sleep, whether it is sticking to the bedtime routine, ensuring that when the kids are put to bed they stay in bed, or trying to balance all the business of life and making it home and having dinner early enough to settle everyone down. But effort put into making and keeping a good sleep pattern, is well rewarded. There is a massive difference in behaviours, energy and emotions when everyone gets a good night’s rest.
Learn more here: https://hw.qld.gov.au/blog/the-power-of-zzzs-why-sleep-is-a-valuable-part-of-childrens-wellbeing/
Cheyenne Mason- On Behalf of the Wellbeing & Culture Team