Wellbeing

Dear Carers & Parents,

As we navigate through the midpoint of Term 2, it’s evident that our students are putting in tremendous effort across all their subjects. With assessments on the horizon, it's natural for some students to feel a growing sense of pressure. I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasise an often overlooked but crucial aspect of student health and academic success: sleep.

We all know that a good night’s sleep is vital, but its importance cannot be overstated, especially for teenagers. Sleep is not just about resting; it’s about restoring the brain and body for optimal function. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information learned throughout the day, making it easier to recall and apply this knowledge during assessments.

For our teenage students, who are in a critical phase of development, adequate sleep is even more essential. The recommended amount for teenagers is 8-10 hours per night. However, many students fall short of this due to a combination of academic pressures, social activities, and digital distractions.

Lack of sleep can lead to several negative outcomes, including reduced cognitive abilities, impaired memory, and diminished concentration. These effects can be particularly detrimental during exam periods, where peak cognitive performance is crucial. Furthermore, insufficient sleep can impact mood and overall wellbeing, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

In today’s digital age, the pervasive use of phones and other screens can significantly disrupt students' sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by these devices interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This disruption can lead to a misalignment of the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that signals when it's time to sleep and wake up. As a result, students may find it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. To combat this, it is crucial to limit screen time at least an hour before bed, allowing the body to naturally prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

To support our students in achieving better sleep practices, here are a few tips that can make a significant difference:

Establish a Routine: Encourage students to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency helps regulate their internal body clock.
Create a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Environment: Activities such as reading a book, listening to calming music, or practising mindfulness can signal the brain that it’s time to wind down.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Students should aim to turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can also promote better sleep. However, it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy meals close to bedtime.
Manage Stress: Encourage students to talk about their worries and manage their time effectively to avoid last-minute cramming, which can cause unnecessary stress and disturb sleep.

By prioritising sleep, students can improve their cognitive functions, emotional stability, and overall wellbeing, leading to better academic performance and a healthier lifestyle. As we continue through Term 2, let’s support our students in finding the balance they need to thrive both academically and personally.

If any students or parents have concerns about sleep or any other aspect of wellbeing, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that our students are not only successful in their studies but also healthy and happy.

Also there’s a parent/carer webinar available here regarding phones and social media if anyone would like to view it. There are also some resources associated with the webinar here.

Warm regards,

Ben