Lack of sleep among kids prompts calls for lessons in snoozing

HIGH school kids need lessons on how to sleep, experts warn, following the release today of new data highlighting their dire lack of shut-eye.

The call comes as the research shows an extensive number of kids are not getting enough sleep on school nights – affecting their growth, mental health and learning.

The study of the sleep patterns of Australian children and adolescents shows close to a quarter of 12 to 15-year-olds and half of 16 to 17-year-olds are not getting enough sleep on school nights.

The findings from the Growing Up In Australia Longitudinal Study of Australian Children show that many Australian adolescents sleep less than the recommended minimum for healthy growth, learning and development.

Australian Institute of Family Studies director Anne Hollonds said the study found links between shorter sleep times and higher rates of anxiety and depression. “The group most at risk of not getting enough sleep on school nights is older adolescents who may benefit from coaching on how to improve their sleep, by reducing caffeine intake, limiting internet use before bedtime, keeping a consistent sleep routine and getting plenty of physical activity,” she said.

Institute research fellow Dr Tracy Evans-Whipp said sleep guidelines from the Australian Department of Health recommend that children aged 5-13 years have between nine and 11 hours of sleep and adolescents aged 14-17 years between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night.

She said the study confirmed that insufficient sleep was linked to poorer mental health.

“Across all age groups from 12-17 years, adolescents not meeting minimum sleep guidelines were more likely to show symptoms of anxiety and depression and were less likely to report being happy,” she said.