Counting Sleep

Introduction

This resource pack is designed to be used as is appropriate to each setting. The resources are aimed at primary schools but could easily be adapted to older children.

We have designed the resources so personal copies for pupils can be made if you wish. This enables guided stories and ‘body scans’ for example to be carried out whenever they wish to, in their own time at home.

Don’t forget that if you are using this as part of your GHLL intervention work, the baseline assessment needs to be carried out before any work is begun, and the same assessment is to be completed at the end of the period to measure the progress of pupils.

We hope you find the resource pack useful.

Information

The importance of good sleep cannot be over estimated. Poor sleep affects both our mental and physical well-being, often leading to poor concentration, stress, worry and mood disorder.

The Gloucestershire Online Pupil Survey indicates that many of our children are not getting good enough sleep to be refreshed and ready for learning:

24% of Y6 pupils report regularly going to bed at 10pm or later

27.4% of Y4 & Y6 report taking 2 or more hours to go to sleep once in bed

15.8% of Y4 & Y6 spending this time in front of screens (TVs, computers, devices)

47% of secondary age pupils report sleeping for less than the 8-9 hours NHS Choices recommendation to function at their best.

Many of the children and young people surveyed are using electronic devices and TVs close to bedtime which may contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Good sleep has proven advantages for memory and performance. Sleep releases growth hormones and helps the body and mind develop well; it enables the brain to make sense of the day’s events and helps us to keep emotionally balanced.

There is increasing evidence that too little sleep in children has a detrimental effect on their growth, attainment and mental health. Good sleep habits can be laid down during childhood and this resource aims to teach children and young people how to avail themselves of a good night’s sleep.

Getting Ready to Sleep Well: Simplified Top Tips

• Limit how much TV you watch close to bedtime

• Avoid watching programmes or films that have upsetting or scary content close to bedtime

• Avoid sugary foods or drinks in the evening

• Leave mobile phones or other devices in another room, ideally downstairs if you live in a house

• Listen to or read a calming story (save the action and thrills for early evening!)

• Listen to some soothing music

• Cut down on caffeine, especially in the evening. Drinks such as cola as well as tea and coffee contain caffeine. Too much caffeine prevents deep sleep and can make falling asleep difficult.

Click here to log in and download the GHLL Counting Sleep resource.

Support and Resources 

Every Mind Matters have expert advice and practical tips for all age groups to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, including sleep, self-care, and dealing with change.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Teen Sleep Hub offers advice, support and tips on achieving a good night’s sleep.
Website: https://teensleephub.org.uk

Young Minds offers online information, advice and tips for children and young people having issues with sleep and how to get help. They have also produced a YouTube video - YMM and Sleep. 
Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/sleep-problems 
Text chat: Send 'YM' to 85258