Sleep, Rest & Leisure

Sleep allows your brain to recharge.  We use body energy when we are working, playing or even just thinking hard.  So at the end of the day, we need to sleep to recharge our natural energy levels just like a battery!  You even grow during your sleep!  (Growth hormone is mainly produced at night). If you don’t get enough sleep, you get tired and irritable and can’t think as well at school.

Sleep and Dreams

Sleep lets your brain recharge as well as your body. During the night, your brain spends time in Deep Sleep (when it is mostly switched off) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep (which is when we dream).  We are not sure why people dream, but dreams are probably a reflection of what’s in your mind or what you are worried about.  It’s very hard to remember dreams, probably because your mind doesn’t think that dreams are important.  Some people dream in colour, but others only remember black and white.

Sleep Walking

When we are asleep, our muscles are usually limp and don’t work. Occasionally, the brain gets confused and people can walk and talk while they are completely asleep.  If you see this happening, just help the person back to bed.  It’s OK to wake them if you have to.  They probably won’t remember in the morning.

Difficulty Sleeping

We all sometimes have difficulty getting to sleep.  If this happens, don’t count sheep.  It doesn’t work!  Try some of these ideas instead:

1. Get into a routine go to bed about the same time every night.

2. Have a glass of warm milk before you go to bed.

3. Have a warm bath before you go to bed.

4. Make sure your room (and the house) is quiet.  Turn the light off if you can.

5. Listen to relaxing music or read something while waiting to fall asleep.

6. Don’t get overexcited just before bed don’t read scary books or watch action TV just beforehand as it keeps your mind awake.

7. If worrying a lot is stopping you getting to sleep, talk to someone you trust about it. Worries are one of the main causes of young people not sleeping.

Rest During the Day

During the day, it’s important to have a little time to rest to recharge your energy levels every so often. Being very active all the time can be very tiring unless you have enough rests.  It’s fun to play sport or games during school break times, but it’s good to eat your snacks and lunch sitting down with friends.  This means your body can concentrate on digesting the food, which it can’t do if you’re eating "on the run".