Sleep is crucial for everyone, but it's particularly important for teenage boys. In boarding, it's one area where we really try and keep to regular routines and create healthy sleeping patterns. Research tells us that for optimal health and well-being, teenage boys should aim for a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, some need even more depending on their involvement in physical activities.
Creating a consistent sleep routine,
avoiding screens before bed, and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment
can all help improve sleep quality. It is for these reasons that we encourage a
set bedtime each night (with only a slight variation on weekends), have devices
handed in at least 45 minutes before lights
out, and ask the boys to make their beds daily and keep their rooms tidy.
During adolescence, the body undergoes significant physical
changes. Growth hormones, which are essential for physical development, are
primarily released during deep sleep. Adequate sleep supports proper growth and
helps with muscle repair and development.
Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive functions such as attention,
memory, and learning. For boys, who are often juggling schoolwork,
extracurricular activities, and social life like many of our boarders, getting
enough sleep helps improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and overall
academic performance.
Teenagers in general are more susceptible to mood swings and
mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can
exacerbate these issues, making it harder for them to manage their emotions and
cope with stress especially when they're away from family support structures.
Insufficient sleep has been linked to a range of health problems,
including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. For active teenage
boys, proper rest is essential for maintaining overall health and physical
fitness. To ensure this rest is achieved, we collect all devices at
bedtime to minimize distractions overnight and ask for a certain level of quiet
so that sleep isn’t interrupted or impacted.
Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviours. It also impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. With young men already impulsive in their formative years, quality sleep is crucial.
To
encourage and promote adequate sleep, support your son’s physical growth, enhance his cognitive and emotional well-being, promote overall health, and ensure he can
navigate the challenges of each day effectively, we are currently reviewing our
nighttime processes to ensure best practice is at the forefront of all that we
do.
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