Sleep, stress and the impact on classroom behaviour
When we think about supporting children’s wellbeing, we often look to behaviour, emotions and relationships but we forget to consider the basics- like sleep! Without enough quality sleep children’s brains simply can’t do what we’re asking of them and it shows up in their behaviour.
Interestingly, a tired child might not look tired, they might not yawn or ask to lie down but instead, they may seem hyperactive, oppositional, tearful or distant. That’s because sleep affects the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, attention and memory!
When a child doesn’t get enough sleep, lots of things then happen:
– The amygdala (which triggers the survival brain) becomes hyperactive, making them more reactive, sensitive and emotional
– The prefrontal cortex (the thinking brain) becomes sluggish, impacting problem solving and impulse control
– Cortisol (the stress hormone) increases, which keeps the child in a state of fight, flight or freeze and shows up in their behaviour (running away, getting angry, arguing shutting down)
Sleep deprived children are trying to function with a brain that is in survival mode, ready to respond to threat which means they are more likely to overreact to small frustrations, struggle to focus, and become easily overwhelmed. They are not ‘misbehaving’ or even in control- they are literally not able to access the part of the brain that helps them to regulate and learn.
Prolonged lack of sleep-in children can lead to:
- Irritability, frustration, withdrawal and sadness, increased anxiety
- Lack of concentration, inability to recall information or follow instructions, difficulty focusing
What helps:
Schools:
– Make sure the child has had some breakfast and a drink- water helps!
-Give them an opportunity to rest in a calm corner, library or quiet space
-Do a quiet calming activity with them like drawing
-Reduce opportunities for them to be triggered into survival responses- maybe don’t send them into the dinner hall if you know they can’t cope and have a small quiet lunch inside instead. Don’t send them outside to play if its likely to end in a fall out- allow them to eat inside with a small group and do some colouring instead
-Give them a blanket in the classroom to snuggle into as they work to help them regulate and calm any stress hormones
-Let them have a nap!
Parents/ Carers:
-Ensure they get at least 8 hours of sleep when you can- remember, a hyperactive child is probably an over tired child
-Remember, bedtime will be harder when they are tired because they are in survival mode- get them to bed earlier than you think they need to be
-Introduce reading or an audible book before bed
-Introduce a mindful meditation before bed
More help:
Meditation’s I love to use with my children: Listen here
Great audiobook to try: The magic far away tree- listen here
Download my bedtime sleep guide: Here