Hi I'm Michele Many, a clinical social worker with LSU Health. The following is an educational video where we will discuss sleep hygiene with school-aged children. Sleep–we all do it and we all need it. Why is it so important? Let's look at the reasons why we need to sleep. Sleep lets our bodies rest to get ready for the next day. There are scientists and doctors who believe sleep lets our brains solve problems, sort and store information, and replace important chemicals in our body. While we sleep, our bodies grow, heal injuries and fight off sickness. Good sleep also helps us to be in a good mood and pay attention in school. So what happens when we don't get enough sleep? Not getting enough sleep can make us cranky and moody. We don't feel good so we may cut up and that may get us in trouble in school. When we are tired from not sleeping we can have trouble concentrating and following directions, and this can make our teachers and our parents unhappy. Let's look at some of the best ways to get a good night's sleep: Get plenty of physical activity during the day to help tire out your body.
Don't drink things that have caffeine, a substance that keeps us awake, such as soft drinks or iced tea, especially in the late afternoon or night time. Try not to eat big meals right before bedtime. As hard as it might be, turn off the TV, computer, video games, and cellphone at least an hour before bedtime. Keep your bedroom cool and dark and avoid sleeping with your pets. Have a bedtime routine that includes going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even when this is a school night.
So get a good night's sleep! It just might help you do better in school, get along better with your family and friends, feel better, and be at your very best..
