Elementary school-age children who improved their sleep habits also improved in their academic performance, according to a study by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in partnership with the Riverside School Board in Montreal.
Participation in the program yielded improvements in sleep and report card grades. Specifically, participation in the intervention was associated with improved grades in English and mathematics.
The takeaway for parents:
- Small cumulative sleep extension may lead to improved academic performance.
- Parents are advised to ensure their children get sufficient amount of healthy sleep every night.
The takeaway for schools:
- Re-evaluate how to encourage integration of sleep education programs to the health curriculum
