We are awake for two thirds of our life, meaning on average we dedicate 25 to 30 years to sleep. But while we often talk about the impact of diet, exercise and positive psychology on mental health, the importance of sleep tends to be a neglected area.
According to statistics from the UK’s NHS in 2023, 37.8 per cent of young people aged 8 to 16 had a problem with sleep three or more times over their previous seven nights. For those between the ages of 17 and 23 this rose to 64.9 per cent. A considerable rise.
Given official figures that say 50 per cent of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 and 75 per cent by the age of 24, then the ability to sleep should be a key area to focus on.
“There has been a greater number of children being prescribed the drug melatonin.”
In Matthew Walker’s celebrated book Why We Sleep, he indicates that not only is wellbeing improved by regular and consistent sleep, but also learning and health, including weight control.
There has been a recent trend for greater numbers of children to be prescribed the drug melatonin to try to tackle a sleep disorder. A recent article in The Guardian newspaper highlighted the dangers of overprescription and the long-term impact that this reliance may have and the lack of engagement with behavioural approaches which can support children to overcome sleep disorders.
This reliance on finding a quick answer is a worry and the need to provide a long lasting and permanent practice means that education is key.
So what can we do to ensure that the young people are better informed about the importance of sleep and how do we encourage greater engagement with the benefits?
“This peer-to-peer approach is intended to have a greater impact.”
There are a number of excellent course providers who offer training and advice. Following research in 2021, I discovered the Sleep Practitioner training from the Sleep Charity and signed myself up to a course. I found the two day training to be insightful, inclusive and provided all the necessary information to support other staff members and students.
Through the charity’s CEO Vicki Beevers, we organised for a sleep audit of the boarding house to take place, with clear recommendations on improving the sleep environment for our boarding students. We also organised training for our staff members so that they were able to effectively support their tutees in improving their sleep.
‘The evidence suggests that the number of those struggling is increasing.”
At Berkhamsted, we now have a dedicated and trained member of staff who has now trained some of our student wellbeing ambassadors to offer support around sleep and to raise awareness more generally around the school. This peer-to-peer approach is intended to have a greater impact and ensure messages about the importance of sleep are being listened to.
The Sleep Charity now runs boarding school sleep courses for pastoral staff across the UK aimed at improving the experiences for all young people requiring support.
So, do our young people have an issue with sleep? The evidence suggests that the number of those struggling is increasing, and if schools are serious about tackling poor mental health and providing long lasting impactful change, should they not all have sleep champions?