The Importance of Sleep

A major factor to achieving great health is sleep quality. Sleep is vital for growth, repair, and rejuvenation of the body. It should be a high priority for anyone who wants to feel well. One of the best ways to sleep well is to develop a sleep routine. This means you go to bed at the same time each night, and wake up at the same time each morning. After doing this for awhile, your body’s circadian rhythm will set itself to these times and you will experience better sleep patterns (falling asleep easier, sleeping longer, sleeping easier). The body likes routine when it comes to sleep! Students in Mr. Recker’s PE classes will begin their “Sleep Journals” this week. The overall goal will be to develop a regular sleep routine and become aware of sleep habits. If you’ve been putting your sleep on the backburner for too long, now would be a great time to bring it to the forefront of importance in your life. Feel free to journal your sleep with us and post your results in the comments! Below is the worksheet students will be keeping near their beds as they record their data.

  

SLEEP JOURNAL                    

Name: ___________________________________            Grade:____________________

Kids need 9-10 hours of sleep per night to support optimal growth and development. Sleep is also important for proper repair and rejuvenation of the body. Quality sleep is essential for great health. Let’s set some goals to help you get the recommended amount of sleep.

1.     What time are you going to be in bed each night?                  ______________________

2.     What time are you going to wake up in the morning?            ______________________

3.     How many hours of sleep per night would this equal?            ______________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Date: ____________________   
Time In Bed:_____________________ 
Time Out of Bed:_________________

Let’s see how your week of sleep turned out. Answer the questions below:

1.     How many days did you get to bed on time?            ________________

2.     How many days did you get out of bed on time?            ________________

3.     How many days did you get between 9-10 hours of sleep?  ________________

Setting a sleep routine is one of the most important factors to getting great sleep. Other suggestions include: 

1. Avoid electronics at least one hour before bed. 

2. Eat fresh veggies & fruits to increase minerals, which help the body relax. 

3. Try not to snack close to bedtime. This causes blood sugar swings that may affect sleep.

4. Be active throughout the day and spend some time in the sun.

5. Discover things that relax you in the evening. Some suggestions could be reading a book, taking a walk, listening to calming music, stretching, deep breathing, or prayer/meditation.