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Sleep: Just The Facts

It’s not as simple as going to bed early.

Young people need 8 ½ – 9 hours’ sleep a night to keep them fit, healthy and emotionally well. However, the way a teenager’s body works is very different to an adult’s or a child’s.

This means that going to bed early is not as easy as it sounds because young people’s brains are awake and alert in the evening – just when adults are slowing down and heading towards sleep.

So, your inability to wake up in the morning might not just be down to laziness; your brain is still in the middle of its ‘sleep phase’.

Later starts?

Unfortunately, having a later start to the school day to accommodate your sleeping pattern isn’t an option, yet there are things you can do to improve your sleep.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

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Find help in your local area

Find help in your local area

Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.