Wellbeing

The Importance of Sleep 

As we head into a very busy time of the school year, with lots of exciting events, activities and end-of-year celebrations on the horizon, it’s important to remember the value of a good night’s sleep!

Sleep plays a vital role in children’s mental health, wellbeing and learning. Getting enough sleep helps children manage their emotions, concentrate in the classroom, build positive relationships and have the energy to participate in all the fun activities school has to offer. When children are tired, they may find it harder to manage frustrations, cope with challenges and stay focused throughout the day.

So, how can we help our children get a good night’s sleep?

• Keep a consistent routine: Aim for a similar bedtime and wake-up time each day.
• Wind down before bed: Enjoy a quiet activity, read a book together or have a relaxing chat about the day.
• Limit screen time: Switch off devices well before bedtime to help children relax and prepare for sleep.
• Create a calm environment: A comfortable, quiet and dark bedroom can help support restful sleep.
• Make sleep a priority: Even when life gets busy, try to protect your child’s bedtime routine as much as possible.

Primary school-aged children generally need around 9–12 hours of sleep each night, depending on their age and individual needs.

As we move through this exciting but busy time of year, let’s remember that looking after our wellbeing starts with the basics. A good night’s sleep can make a big difference to how our children feel, learn and connect with others each day.

Rested children are better equipped to learn, grow and enjoy all the wonderful experiences this time of year brings!