Learning Problem: Lack of Sleep

Does Your Child Have a Common Learning Problem?

by Kathy Hanson, Director of the Upper School

A normal school day can be challenging for even the most exceptional students.  Concentrating on given tasks, calculating answers, resolving conflicts, learning new vocabulary, and completing written assignments are daily activities that require a great deal of thought, time, and, above all, energy.  When children struggle in school it is often because they lack the energy to meet daily demands.    The may fidget in their chairs as they try hard to pay attention or strain to keep their eyes open.  Some find themselves holding back their tears because they do not have the energy to overcome the challenge at hand.

Fatigue is, unfortunately, an all too common learning problem among children of all ages (and perhaps their parents).  Children who are tired are obviously grouchy and moody.  Still more seriously, however, they also tend to be depressed, easily distracted, quickly frustrated, and even (take note!) hyperactive.  It takes a great deal of energy and much needed rest for a child to control emotions, thoughts, and actions.  Without that needed rest, emotions, thoughts, and actions tend to go out of control.  If this is repeated, then the condition of being fidgety, inattentive, or easily frustrated can easily become an ingrained habit.

Over-tired children are unable to sit still, listen attentively, think logically, overcome difficulty, pay attention, or make a sustained effort.  They are also far less able to resist cold and flu germs.  Children in the primary grades, along with those in middle school often need the most rest, about 10-11 hours, to remain in good health, since the speed of their growth requires so much energy.   Those who sleep only eight hours per night fail to get enough rest and are often prone to headaches, flu, and strep throat, as well as distraction and irritability.  

Sleep deprivation can severely limit a child’s ability to learn at school.  Without adequate sleep, children also experience more conflicts with peers and are less prepared to resolve them.  Since adequate rest is necessary for every child to work hard and learn well, a regular bedtime can be one of the most important things you can do to help your child experience greater success in school.

So, think for a moment.  What happens when you do the math?  If a child needs 10 or 11 hours of sleep and she must get out of bed at 6:30am, what time must she go to bed the night before?  Is bedtime earlier than you thought?