Sleep and Academic Performance

School aged children and their parents often get into arguments about bedtime, curfews, and other "sleep" issues. A recent series of studies has addressed the impact that sleep schedules have upon academic performance in school aged and college aged children and adolescents. The study divided participants into three groups, those who went to bed, routinely relatively early and woke up in the morning at a consistent and early time; a second group who went to bed late and woke early; and a third group whose sleep and wake times varied. There was a significant difference between the groups, with those students who went to bed early and woke up early (at the same times daily) performed better academically than students in the other two groups. This study, rather clearly has shown that those who get to bed at an early and consistent time, and get up at relatively the same time each day fare better academically then their more inconsistent and late "staying up" peers. If you or anyone you know needs help with parenting issues like these please call the parenting professionals at Holtz Psychological Services, P.C.