Pupils learn importance of sleep

PUPILS at Scoil Aonghusa CNS are learning all about the importance of a healthy night’s sleep.

They are undertaking surveys, learning about the sleep habits of their classmates and reading up on the biology of sleep.

All children need a healthy night’s sleep, it is especially important in young children, where sleep is actually a primary activity in their brains.

Deep sleep allows the body to grow muscles, bones, and skin, heal injuries to muscles, bones and skin, stay healthy, build a strong immune system and fight illnesses, remember what has been learned, pay attention and concentrate and solve problems and think of new ideas.

A bedtime routine is very important. Researchers believe irregular bedtimes can effect children in many ways, including being moody and suffer general restlessness.

Experts believe reading to a child before bedtime helps and a glass of warm milk is also recommended. All electronic equipment including televisions, tablets, etc should be turned off at least a half an hour before bedtime and childrens bedroom should be as dark as possible.

Deputy Principal of Scoil Aonghusa CNS, Mr Kealan Buckley, who teaches the senior classes, has been amazed at how late senior pupils stay up at night. He recommends that all seniors are in bed by 10pm to be fully rested and ready to learn for the next school day.