Hyderabad: Multiple studies have shown that middle and high school students who get between eight and 10 hours of sleep score better on tests compared to their counterparts who get insufficient rest. Recognising the impact of stress on health as well as performance, parents in Hyderabad have started moving their kids to schools closer to their homes, to reduce the amount of time spent commuting.
The American Academy of Paediatrics has found that most teenagers require sufficient rest in order to cope with their busy lives which involve studies, sports, and extracurricular activities. Lack of sleep in their youth can have long-term impacts on their health.
According to the study, the ideal amount of sleep for the average teenager is between 8.5 and 9.5 hours a night. Teenagers who get enough sleep are found to have better physical and mental health, which translates to better academic performance. The average teenager is expected to fall asleep around 11 pm and wake up around 8 am.
Hyderabad Schools Parents Association member Arvinda Jata believes that the lack of proper sleep and the practice of skipping breakfast can hamper the health of children, which is why she has moved her kids to a school in her neighbourhood.
“Earlier, when my kids were in another school which started at 8 am, it would become very difficult for them to eat breakfast before leaving. My kids used to wake up at 6 am and their bus would pick them up at 7.10 am. So they would have to eat breakfast by 6.45 am. What could they eat so early? Looking at the stress level and the impact that it was having on their health, I decided to shift my kids to a nearby school. Now my kids get enough sleep, enough time to play, and enough time to study. This is producing good results,” she said.
