Researchers have found that more than one in three elementary school students cannot sleep at night. 10 out of 100 students severely sleep deprived and are cranky, yawning, and nodding off in the classroom (Apples for Health 2002). These statistics are not good considering children are supposed to be absorbing knowledge like sponges. In the same light, Judith Owens, the behavioral pediatrician states that "kids in this age group are the most alert human beings on Earth. It's the peak developmentally of alertness levels" (Apples for Health 2002)" In essence, if children are nodding off or dozing while they are supposed to be learning, their presence in school is almost futile.
Children should get at least eight hours of sleep so that they can perform at optimal peak levels in school. Parents of restless children can take several simple steps that will facilitate proper sleeping habits. These include: limiting chocolate, cocoa and other foods containing caffeine; turning off the television earlier in the evening; making sure the child gets enough exercise a few hours before bedtime; avoiding big meals late in the day, and keeping the bedroom dark and comfortable.
