MEMORIES AND SLEEP
The school holidays are over. During term time, our children are heavily burdened with school, co-curricular activities and tuition which results in many of them not getting enough sleep. During sleep, while our bodies rest, our brains are busy processing information from the day and forming memories. Sleep deprivation results in impairment of that process and hence our ability to learn and retain new information. Sleep does more than sharpen the mind. Studies show that sleep affects physical reflexes, fine motor skills and judgment.
So how much sleep is needed? It is recommended school age children (6-13) get 9-11 hours of sleep every night and teenagers (14-17) get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Adults (18 and beyond) generally need 7-9 hours of sleep ever night.
To improve sleep, follow these simple yet effective sleep tips; 1) stick to a sleep schedule, even on weekends 2) practice a relaxing bedtime ritual 3) beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine 4) turn off electronics before bed 5) exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
So how much sleep is needed? It is recommended school age children (6-13) get 9-11 hours of sleep every night and teenagers (14-17) get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Adults (18 and beyond) generally need 7-9 hours of sleep ever night.
To improve sleep, follow these simple yet effective sleep tips; 1) stick to a sleep schedule, even on weekends 2) practice a relaxing bedtime ritual 3) beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine 4) turn off electronics before bed 5) exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.