Let's Talk About Sleep: Lesson & Activity Ideas

Get students thinking about sleep by making it an actual topic of discussion in class.

Why make "sleep study" part of the actual curriculum? First of all, it is a vital part of student's lives which effects their performance in school directly. Getting students actively talking about their sleep habits can create healthy attitudes toward sleep, and positive emotions directly affect motivation, learning, and memory (Woolfolk, 2019, p. 45). Just as much as lack of sleep itself can negatively affect students, so can lack of awareness about the importance of sleep or poor attitudes about self-care in general. So start by helping students be more aware, empowered, and motivated to take care of themselves.

Researching sleep issues and habits around the world can also help students make more meaningful connections to instill deeper learning - make it more meaningful than just saying "Get some sleep!" Group discussions are especially helpful to introduce topics socially, give students a variety of viewpoints, and then internalize the value of the lesson (Woolfolk, 2019, p. 57-58). These activities also provide opportunities for creativity, cultural awareness, and self-reflection.

In addition, the activities below are also designed to encourage students' self-regulation in several ways: by allowing them to direct their own learning by deciding on research projects and discussion topics; by providing opportunities for planning their own bedtime habits and tracking them, applying what they have learned to their own lives independently; and by staying motivated to take care of themselves.

Based on all my research about sleep and learning, I created 10 ideas for lessons, class discussions, homework, and research projects to make the subject of sleep both important and fun!

Here we go...

1. Have students keep a sleep journal to track their bedtime, how they sleep, or even a dream journal.

2. Have students share their Bedtime Rituals, or bring items for Show and Tell:

Favorite bedtime story?

Favorite stuffed animal?

Favorite bedtime song or lullaby?

Nightlight or total dark?

Quiet, music, or white noise?

Do you have a pet that gets to sleep with you?

3. Diversity Tip... "What else is part of your unique bedtime ritual?" Create an opportunity for students to share their unique family and cultural customs!

4. Have a Pajama Day when students can wear their pajamas to school to promote good sleep (check with school dress rules, of course, or talk to the school administration about making this a school-wide Sleep Awareness day!)

5. Have students write a short story or create a short play about an amazing, scary, or funny dream they had that they want to share.

6. Have students research different sleep habits from around the world. For more videos about sleep around the world to get the discussion started, check out our Videos page!

7. Have students research how different ANIMALS sleep... How do they sleep - standing, eyes open...? Where? For how long?

8. Family Engagement... Have students create a Sleep Plan alone or with their parents by researching how much sleep they need for their age and other healthy bedtime habits. Have them work on or share their plan with their parents, and then have them track sticking to it!

9. Encourage self-awareness... Have students log how their eating habits, mood, and performance in class and other activities is affected depending on how much they sleep - then have them discuss their findings in class, or research science to explain why they experienced those effects. More helpful resources can be found on our Videos page!

10. Have students create their own presentation project on why sleep is important via a written report, group presentation, or video - encourage students to share their findings with their families, or include presentations in a school-wide Sleep Awareness day or assembly.

References:

Woolfolk, A. (2019). Educational Psychology (14th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.