Teenagers aren’t getting enough sleep the night before exams

Is your teenager getting enough sleep before their big exam days? According to The Sleep Council’s findings they probably aren’t.

Last minute exam revision is causing sleep deprivation for many teenagers about to sit GCSEs and A-Levels with 20 per cent getting just 5-6 hours of sleep at night.

“This is a worryingly high number of teenagers who are not getting as much sleep as they need to function and perform at their best. Sacrificing sleep is more detrimental to mental alertness than cramming in last minute revision,” says Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council”

“The extra pressure and stress of exams alongside relationships with friends, social activities, part-time jobs and a host of fluctuating emotions can make it difficult for teenagers to relax at night.”

Getting quality sleep is important for keeping the body’s circadian rhythm in balance as well as growth and development.

A staggering 83 per cent of teens say their sleep is affected by stress during the exam period, the council has discovered.

Lisa continues: “Getting enough sleep allows teenagers to react more quickly to situations, have a more developed memory, learn more effectively and solve problems. Teenagers don’t always understand the importance of sleep which is why it is essential for parents to be aware that good sleep has a link to good health and educational benefits.”

For more information, visit: www.sleepcouncil.org.uk