Many students in high school may feel like sleep is a luxury they can’t afford, but a school in Ohio is taking a unique approach to help its students develop healthy sleep habits. Mansfield Senior High School has implemented a new sleep curriculum, “Sleep to Be a Better You,” which aims to educate students on the importance of getting enough sleep and teach them how to improve their sleep quality. One of the key aspects of the program is a daily sleep log, where students are asked to track their sleep patterns for six weeks. They are also encouraged to rate their mood and energy levels, and learn healthy sleep habits. The program has been shown to be effective, with students reporting improved mood and energy levels after increasing their nightly sleep. But why is sleep training so important? A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 77% of students did not get enough sleep in 2021, up from 69% in 2009. The CDC recommends that teens get 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many students are not getting enough sleep due to various factors such as social media, college applications, and stress. Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on a student’s physical and mental health. It can affect their mood, decision-making abilities, impulse control, focus, mental health, and overall well-being. In fact, a study by Common Sense Media found that teens are experiencing levels of stress and burnout that are typically seen in adults.

Why Teens Need Sleep Training

Most teens are not getting enough sleep due to various factors such as social media, college applications, and stress.
The CDC recommends that teens get 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many students are not getting enough sleep.
Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on a student’s physical and mental health.
Teens are experiencing levels of stress and burnout that are typically seen in adults.

What’s Being Done to Help Teens

Program Name:	Sleep to Be a Better You
Duration:	Six weeks
Activities:	Daily sleep log, rating mood and energy levels, learning healthy sleep habits
Results:	Improved mood and energy levels after increasing nightly sleep

Expert Advice

“Teens are telling us that they face intense pressures, and are looking to adults to support rather than dismiss their concerns, to share in their joys and work with them to help prioritize critical self-care practices and create more balance in their lives.”
– Amanda Lenhart, Head of Research at Common Sense Media

Many parents may feel like they can’t do enough to support their teens in developing healthy sleep habits. However, experts say that by having open and honest conversations with your child, you can help them create regular routines and healthy boundaries with energy-draining communications. “Give teens space, time, and encouragement to REST,” says Jennifer L.W. Fink, author and co-host of the ON BOYS parenting podcast. “Prioritize sleep, time off, and rejuvenating activities, and talk about why you do so.”
Key Takeaways:
* Most teens are not getting enough sleep due to various factors such as social media, college applications, and stress. * By prioritizing sleep, time off, and rejuvenating activities, you can help your teen develop healthy sleep habits and improve their overall well-being.

Making Sleep a Priority for Teens

In conclusion, sleep training is an essential aspect of a teen’s overall health and well-being. By implementing a program like “Sleep to Be a Better You” and having open and honest conversations with your child, you can help them develop healthy sleep habits and prioritize sleep as a vital part of their daily routine. Remember, giving your teen space, time, and encouragement to rest is crucial for their physical and mental health. By prioritizing sleep and creating a healthy sleep environment, you can help your teen thrive and reach their full potential.