Healthy Sleep – Year 7 and 8 Assembly

The Importance of sleep.

Every creature needs to rest. Just like eating, sleep is necessary for survival. Sleep gives your body a rest and allows it to prepare for the next day. It's like giving your body a mini-vacation. Sleep also gives your brain a chance to sort things out. Scientists aren't exactly sure what happens to your brain while you sleep, but they think that sleep might be the time when the brain sorts and stores information, replaces chemicals and solves problems.

Consequences of poor sleep

• Poor Mental health - poor sleep is related to depression and anxiety.
• Poor Physical health - a lack of sleep can increase your chances of putting on weight. Poor sleep puts you at risk of medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, it can also disrupt your immune system.
• Poor Productivity - poor sleep contributes to decreased productivity and a lack of sleep can have a negative influence on your learning abilities.

Tips for good sleep

• Increase Bright Light Exposure During The Day.
• Reduce Blue Light Exposure in the Evening. Install an app that blocks blue light on your smartphone. These are available for both iPhones and Android models.
• Don't Consume Caffeine Late in the Day.
• Reduce Irregular or Long Daytime Naps.
• Try to Sleep and Wake at Consistent Times. 
• Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights two hours before heading to bed.