Wellbeing & Inclusion 

at Willy

Sweet Dreams: Why Sleep Matters for Young Learners

Did you know that a good night's sleep is like a superpower for your child's brain? While they're dreaming, their minds are busy organising everything they learned during the day and getting ready for tomorrow's adventures.

How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

Children aged 5-12 years need between 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Just like eating healthy food and exercising, getting enough sleep helps children grow strong, stay healthy, and feel happy.

Signs Your Child Might Need More Sleep

Watch out for these sleepy signals: difficulty waking up in the morning, feeling more grumpy or emotional than usual, trouble concentrating on schoolwork, or falling asleep during car rides. If you notice these signs, it might be time to adjust bedtime routines.

Creating a Calm Bedtime Routine

• Start winding down 30-60 minutes before sleep time:
• Put away screens (phones, tablets, TV) as the blue light can make it harder to fall asleep
• Try quiet activities like reading together, gentle stretching, or listening to soft music
• Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and comfortable
• Consider a warm bath or shower to help the body relax

Sleep Tips from Our Students

We asked some of our students from 1K what helps them sleep well. Here's what they shared:

“I listen to some music and I think about loving stuff.”

“I put my bed light on and I get my mum to come and rest with me.”

“Mum or Dad sing me some lullabies and then I just close my eyes.” 

“I ask my mum or dad to lie in bed with me and sing me songs so I can go to sleep.” 

“My mum puts my cat into bed with me.”

When Sleep is Tricky

Some children find it hard to fall asleep because they're worried about school, friends, or other things. This is completely normal. Encourage your child to share their worries with you during the day, not at bedtime. You might also try "worry time" - setting aside 10 minutes after school to talk about any concerns.

Creating Sleep Success at Home

Remember that consistent bedtime routines work better than strict bedtime rules. If your family schedule varies, try to keep the same calming activities in the same order, even if the timing shifts slightly.

Quality sleep helps our Willy Kids arrive at school ready to learn, play, and connect with friends. When children are well-rested, they're better able to manage their emotions, solve problems, and enjoy their school day.

Kind regards,

Lisa Leydin                                                                 Anna Swan

Assistant Principal                                                   Learning Specialist

Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing                        Disability and Inclusion & Mental Health and                                                                                       Wellbeing (Mon-Thur)