The Quest for Better Zzzs: Transforming Sleep in Schools

by Jon Scaccia April 4, 2024

Sleep, a silent but mighty force, shapes our health, well-being, and academic performance. Yet, in our fast-paced world, children and adolescents often find a good night’s sleep elusive. A recent systematic review published in Sleep Advances by Dr. Cadeyrn Gaskin and colleagues from Deakin University, Australia, sheds light on school-based interventions to promote sleep health among young learners. Here, we delve into their findings and explore the potential of schools as catalysts for better sleep.

The Study at a Glance

The review explored whether school-based programs could effectively improve sleep behaviors in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18. The researchers sifted through thousands of studies, settling on 21 trials involving over 10,000 young participants across 13 countries. Most interventions focused on sleep education, either solo or combined with strategies like stress management or bright light therapy.

Findings: A Wake-up Call

Surprisingly, the review found that most sleep education interventions were ineffective in altering sleep behaviors. Even interventions with immediate post-program benefits showed no long-term impact. The most promising results came from delaying school start times, suggesting that structural changes in school schedules might be more effective than educational interventions alone.

Unraveling the Complexity of Sleep

Why don’t educational interventions work as well as hoped? Sleep is complex, influenced by a blend of biological, psychological, and social factors. Teaching about good sleep doesn’t automatically translate to better sleep habits. Factors like screen time, caffeine consumption, and bedtime routines also play pivotal roles in shaping sleep quality.

Conclusion: Towards a Sleep-Friendly Future

Rethinking Strategies: The Holistic Approach

The review suggests a potential shift towards comprehensive, whole-of-school approaches. Such strategies could involve altering school start times, engaging with families, and creating a sleep-conducive environment. By addressing various aspects of a student’s life, these approaches might offer more sustainable solutions.

While the path to better sleep is complex, schools hold untapped potential to be powerful agents of change. By moving beyond traditional education and embracing holistic strategies, we can pave the way for a future where every child enjoys the rejuvenating power of good sleep.

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About the Author

Jon is a clinical community psychologist who specializes in helping organizations get ready for big changes, especially in healthcare and community projects. His work is fueled by a passion for making science more accessible implementation and dissemination science accessible to pragmatically improve community equity and well-being. He has four kids that periodically sleep.