MISS HUNDTS CLASS NEWS

Shadybrook Elementary
N o ve m b e r 8 , 2 0 1 3

Common Reasons for Lack of Sleep

Last week we talked about the numbers, but now were looking at why those numbers exist why do kids not get enough sleep? Here are some questions you can think about and even ask your student: Does your student feel tired all through the day? What things do they do instead of going to bed early? Do they: Watch TV for several hours? Play computer/video games? Eat junk food?

Drop Everything & Read! Wednesday, November 13 (in class)

Theres no question that theres more out there nowadays than what other generations had: ever heard of a couch potato?

First things first: sleep is a learned behavior, just as is exercise and good nutrition are. As a parent, you started a sleep routine right away when your child was born. As a child grows older they need that consistency of a sleep routine because they also have to learn how to organize their time between school, fun activities, etc. And for beginning time managers that can be hard! Here are more reasons students get less sleep as they get older: there is typically a reduction in parental control of sleep and wake time, there are more social opportunities, increased employment opportunities and academic workload, and earlier school times. Also, sometimes adolescents might have a relatively common and treatable sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Research today has also shown that another reason kids might not get enough sleep is because of the routines of their families. While you might not think about it, everyones individual routi nes (parents included) can affect your child. Working, eating, and bedtime patterns of students and their families and early school start times can effect how they sleep. However, routines arent the only factor. Amara Willey talks about one such instance in Excess Energy in Children may be Lack of Sleep. Kendra Morrow, a mother and former educator, took her son to several doctors in the fight to find a solution for his trouble focusing in class and migraine headaches. After several incorrect diagnoses, a psychologist determined that he had a sleeping disorder! Sleeping disorders can sometimes be in the form of disrupted sleep due to snoring or breathing pauses. Sometimes, a doctors prescription can be a good nights sleep. Its our job to brainstorm solutions! So what can we do to fix this dilemma?

Next week: Academic Problems Related to Lack of Sleep

Children 8-10 years old spend ~6 hours/day in front of a screen (4 of these are spent watching TV.)

Children 11-14 years old spend ~9 hours/day in front of a screen (5 of these are spent watching TV.)

On any given day, nearly 1/3 of the nation's children eat fast food

Nightmares are most common in 3-6 year olds Some studies estimate that as many as 50% of
children in this age group have nightmares.

Nightmares disrupt a child's sleep and cause distress/problems with everyday life.
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Next week: Academic Problems Related to Lack of Sleep