Wellbeing

SLEEP HEALTH

Sleep plays a very important role in the mental health, emotional wellbeing, learning and overall development of young people. During sleep, the brain and body can rest, process emotions, strengthen memory, and recover from the stresses of daily life. When children and teens are not getting enough quality sleep, it can affect mood, concentration, behaviour, motivation, and emotional regulation. Lack of sleep can also increase feelings of anxiety, stress, irritability and overwhelm, which can then impact friendships, school engagement, and family relationships.

Many young people today are balancing busy schedules, school pressures, social activities, and screen time, all of which can interfere with healthy sleep routines. Supporting good sleep habits at home can make a significant difference to a young person’s wellbeing and ability to cope with challenges. 

Some helpful ways families can support healthy sleep include encouraging regular bedtimes and wake-up times, reducing screen use before bed, creating calm and comfortable bedtime routines, and limiting caffeine or energy drinks later in the day. It can also help to encourage downtime before sleep, such as reading, listening to calming music, or having quiet conversations. Small and consistent routines can often have a positive impact on both sleep and overall wellbeing.

The Smiling Mind ap is a free evidence-based wellbeing ap developed by Australian psychologists and educators, offering guided meditations and practical tools to support stress management, emotional regulation, sleep, and resilience in young people. It includes age-appropriate programs for children and teenagers, making it a simple and accessible way for families to support mental health and healthy coping skills at home. Looking at this together with your young person, may be a great way to connect and open a discussion about healthy sleep habits.

Wellbeing Team

St Peter's College