As we gear up for the new school year, educators and students must prioritize their sleep. The intricate link between sleep, mental health, and chronic disease is not to be underestimated, as sleep plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being. Sleep is not just a passive state but an active process that aids in brain restoration and regulation.
The National Sleep Foundation advocates for later school start times. In 2022, they surveyed parents, teachers, and other adults. The survey found that only about one-third of the parents who responded wanted later start times. The adults and teachers responded slightly more favorably, but less than 40 percent of each group supported delaying the start of the school day.
Numerous studies have highlighted the associations between sleep and mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders, as well as chronic diseases. Recognizing the importance of sleep, organizations like the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, and others have released guidelines and recommendations for sleep duration across different age groups.
However, a significant proportion of adults in the US still fail to meet the recommended hours of sleep. The 24-hour lifestyle and the use of electronics and social media have also contributed to inadequate sleep among children and adolescents. Insufficient sleep has been linked to adverse cardiometabolic health, cognitive health, and an increased risk of dementia among older adults. Inadequate sleep disrupts critical neural processes and impairs cognitive functioning, contributing to mental health disorders and chronic diseases.
Tackling sleep disturbances and disorders and implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance sleep health is a joint responsibility. By working together, schools and parents can effectively address the factors that affect students' sleep, thereby reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, depression, and the likelihood of injury.
Most research focuses on sleep duration and disruptions, but further studies should explore other aspects of sleep, such as sleep timing or schedules. In general, to improve our sleep, we should:
Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol for at least four to six hours before bedtime.
Relax before bed by writing down worries, reading a book, or listening to music.
Keep our bedroom comfortable and at a pleasant temperature.
Research in the field of sleep is a dynamic and evolving area, with ongoing studies focusing on sleep patterns and their influence on overall health. By giving due importance to sleep, addressing sleep disturbances and disorders, and promoting comprehensive approaches, we can significantly impact the well-being of individuals and communities and reduce health disparities. As the saying goes, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'
JC Bowman
Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee