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Sleep is the suspension of consciousness when the body and brain recuperate. While we sleep, our brain works to store memories (called “consolidation”), our bodies heal and re-energize, and waste byproducts generated by brain cells may even be cleared, helping prepare us for another day of thinking and learning. Sleep is critical to our Physical and Emotional well-being, and to nearly all aspects of our cognition. When we do not get enough high-quality sleep, our health and cognitive capacities can suffer. Offering extra cognitive supports (like helping redirect students' Attention if their mind wanders) can help with focus for students who are not getting enough Sleep.
There are several stages of Sleep, ranging from lighter to deeper, and as we Sleep we cycle through these stages multiple times a night. The two deepest stages of Sleep may be most important for our well-being (deep Sleep and REM Sleep), because during these stages we store memories, and our brain and body re-energize in preparation for a new day of learning.
Healthy Sleep is central to our ability to learn and function. There are four main components to healthy Sleep:
When any of these four factors are compromised, this can lead to a Sleep deficit. Sleep deficit is associated with cognitive impairments that become increasingly more evident with more demanding cognitive tasks. One of the most important ways Sleep can affect learning is via memory: as we Sleep, things we learned during the day are “consolidated” and stored in Long-term Memory for retrieval later on. A lack of Sleep interrupts this process in addition to causing other classroom difficulties such as paying Attention in class.
Unfortunately, it is becoming progressively more common for students to receive less Sleep than they need. Adolescents produce the Sleep hormone of melatonin later in the evening than children or adults, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep at earlier hours and to get the recommended amount of Sleep. Learners with ADHD may have particular difficulties falling asleep and may experience more restlessness during sleep. In addition, increased exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, is linked to less Sleep and later bedtimes. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following amounts of Sleep:
Healthy Sleep practices can vary across families and cultures: for example, the use of bedtime rituals, Sleep onset, room sharing, etc., and whether learners rest during the day can vary and affect aspects of Sleep. Although Sleep usually happens at home, research suggests that educators may be able to help learners improve their Sleep through emotional Social Supports, as well as via in-school education about the importance of Sleep, and providing tips designed to promote healthy Sleep practices.
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