Mental Health & Well-Being: The Importance of Sleep

Together for Mental Health: Everyone, Everyday

Developing positive mental health is important to academic achievement and overall well-being.

Did you know that sleep is essential for our overall well-being? Children 6-12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep and youth age 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Do you think you are getting the sleep you need? If not, this might be leading to things like trouble concentrating, feeling moody, irritable and like you have no energy.

Here are a few things to try in order to have a good sleep:

- Create a routine before bed that includes no screens for an hour before bed. We know that that is tough, but it will be worth it! Take part in some relaxing activities instead, such as reading, drawing, writing or listening to calming music.

- Things that we do during the day also impact our sleep. Try not to nap, because long naps can impact our sleep at night. Also, avoid caffeine and energy drinks as these can keep us up as well. Don’t forget that getting 60 minutes of exercise is good for our bodies, but helps us to sleep well.

Try a couple of these suggestions out and see if you can get a great night sleep!

Parent/Guardian/Caregivers - Encouraging Good Sleep Habits

You know what it’s like to not get a good night of sleep — feeling tired all day, getting upset easily, not being able to focus. It’s important for children to sleep well at night because sleep helps them learn, concentrate, and manage their behavior and emotions. Parents/Guardians/Caregivers can help their children build healthy sleep habits by using a few consistent strategies. The Child Mind Institute highlights some ways that you can help your child get a great night sleep.

For more information, visit DCDSB Mental Health & Well-Being