The importance of sleep in the primary years.

Dear Parents,

Teachers report several students BEGIN their day yawning, lounging and generally finding it difficult to attend to lessons. 

Do you understand how important it is for your child to have adequate sleep each night?

The importance of sleep for children

Sleep is essential for growth, immunity, learning, and memory and is important for helping a child heal and recover. Healthy sleep means a good quantity and quality of sleep, with regular sleep routines. 

Studies consistently demonstrate that sleep is crucial for students' learning and memory consolidation, with better sleep leading to improved academic performance and cognitive function. Sleep helps the brain process and store information, strengthening memories and enabling students to recall and apply what they've learned. 

Students in the primary years need between 9-11 hours per night at least!

What happens if my child doesn’t get enough sleep?

A child who does not get enough healthy sleep may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, regulating their emotions, organising tasks, and creative thinking. These children may be easily distracted, irritable, disruptive, or generally hyperactive and restless. A lack of healthy sleep has been linked to mental health problems, poor growth, excessive weight gain, and reduced school performance.

As educators, we want to ensure our students achieve their optimal academic outcomes so please assist us by making sure your child is sleeping between 9 & 11 hours each night.

Many thanks,

SJV staff