• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Are You Counting Sheep?

Maeve

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Sheep to Sheep: Lesson Blueprint

Adults will uncover their current sleep habits, understand the science behind sleep, and learn practical strategies to improve their rest and overall well-being.

This lesson is important because quality sleep is foundational to physical and mental health, productivity, and mood. By understanding and improving their sleep, students can enhance their daily lives.

Audience

Adult Education Class

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, engaging activities, and practical application of sleep science.

Materials

The Sleep Science Overview (slide-deck), Midnight Moods Survey (warm-up), Sleep Myth Busting Circle (discussion), Crafting Your Sleep Diary (activity), and Dream Goal Reflection (cool-down)

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Sheep to Sheep: Lesson Blueprint, The Sleep Science Overview slide deck, Midnight Moods Survey warm-up, Sleep Myth Busting Circle discussion guide, Crafting Your Sleep Diary activity, and Dream Goal Reflection cool-down.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Midnight Moods Survey

10 minutes

Engage students with a survey on their current sleep habits and feelings.

Step 2

Introduction to Sleep Science

15 minutes

Present key concepts about sleep stages, circadian rhythm, and the impact of sleep on health using slides.

Step 3

Discussion: Sleep Myth Busting Circle

15 minutes

Facilitate a group discussion to debunk common sleep myths and share personal experiences.

Step 4

Activity: Crafting Your Sleep Diary

15 minutes

Guide students in setting up a personal sleep diary to track and analyze their sleep patterns.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Dream Goal Reflection

5 minutes

Conclude with a reflection activity where students set personal sleep improvement goals.

lenny

Slide Deck

Are You Counting Sheep?

Uncovering Adult Sleep Habits for Better Rest

Welcome students and introduce the engaging topic of sleep health. Emphasize the interactive nature of the lesson.

Why Does Sleep Matter?

Beyond just feeling tired, sleep impacts your:

  • Brain Power: Memory & Focus
  • Mood & Emotions: Stress & Happiness
  • Body Health: Immunity & Energy

Discuss the broad importance of sleep. Ask students how they feel after a good vs. bad night's sleep.

The Science of Sleep

Quick Dive into the Basics:

  • Circadian Rhythm: Your internal clock
  • Sleep Stages: REM and Non-REM
  • Hormones at Play: Melatonin & Cortisol

Briefly explain the key scientific terms without overwhelming. Keep it relatable to daily experiences.

Common Sleep Habits

What does your typical night look like?

  • Bedtime routines
  • Screen time before bed
  • Caffeine and late-night snacks

Encourage students to think about their own habits, setting the stage for the Midnight Moods Survey.

Myths vs. Facts

Is 'catching up on sleep' real? Do you need less sleep as you get older?

Prepare to transition into the Sleep Myth Busting Circle discussion.

Strategies for Better Rest

Simple Changes, Big Impact:

  • Consistent Sleep Schedule
  • Creating a Relaxing Environment
  • Mindful Evening Routines

Introduce practical, actionable tips. Explain that these will be explored further in the Crafting Your Sleep Diary activity.

Your Sleep Action Plan

What one thing will you try to improve your sleep this week?

Prompt students to start thinking about their personal goals, leading to the Dream Goal Reflection.

lenny

Warm Up

Midnight Moods Survey

Welcome to our session on sleep! Let's get a quick snapshot of how we're all doing with our sleep habits. Please respond to the following statements honestly.

  1. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = never, 5 = always), I feel well-rested when I wake up in the morning.




  1. How many hours of sleep do you typically get on a weeknight? (Circle one)
    A) Less than 5 hours
    B) 5-6 hours
    C) 7-8 hours
    D) 9+ hours




  1. What is one thing you do before bed that might affect your sleep?







  1. What is one thing you wish you could change about your sleep?







lenny
lenny

Discussion

Sleep Myth Busting Circle

Let's clear up some common misconceptions about sleep. We'll go around the circle and discuss some popular ideas about sleep. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest discussion!

Discussion Prompts:

  1. Myth or Fact: You can 'catch up' on lost sleep over the weekend.

    • What have you heard about this? Do you try to 'catch up'?
    • How does it feel when you try to 'catch up'?

  2. Myth or Fact: Drinking alcohol before bed helps you sleep better.

    • What's your experience with this? Why do people think this is true?
    • What might be the downsides?

  3. Myth or Fact: If you can't sleep, you should just stay in bed until you fall asleep.

    • What do you usually do when you can't sleep?
    • Are there other strategies you've tried or heard of?

  4. Myth or Fact: Napping is always bad for your night's sleep.

    • Do you nap? How does it affect you?
    • Are there good ways to nap, or bad ways?













lenny
lenny

Activity

Crafting Your Sleep Diary

Understanding your sleep patterns is the first step towards improving them. A sleep diary helps you track your habits and identify what might be helping or hindering your rest. For the next week, try to fill out this diary each morning.

Sleep Diary Template

Day of the Week:


Date:


1. What time did you go to bed last night?


2. Approximately what time did you fall asleep?


3. How many times did you wake up during the night? (If any, briefly describe why)





4. What time did you wake up this morning?


5. How many hours of sleep did you get in total?


6. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = very tired, 5 = very refreshed), how did you feel when you woke up?


7. List any caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals consumed within 3 hours of bedtime:





8. Describe your evening routine (e.g., watched TV, read, exercised, used phone/computer):










9. Any other notes about your sleep or dreams from last night:











Reflection Questions (After one week of tracking):

  1. What patterns do you notice in your sleep diary?










  2. Are there any habits you identified that might be negatively impacting your sleep?










  3. What is one small change you could make to your routine based on what you learned from your diary?










lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Dream Goal Reflection

To wrap up our lesson on sleep health, let's take a moment to reflect on what we've learned and set a personal goal for improving our sleep.

  1. What is one new thing you learned about sleep today that surprised you or made you think differently?





  2. Based on today's discussion and activities, what is one specific, realistic goal you have for improving your sleep this week? (e.g., "I will turn off screens 30 minutes before bed," "I will try to go to bed at the same time each night.")










  3. What is one small step you can take tomorrow to work towards this goal?





  4. How do you think achieving this sleep goal might positively impact your daily life?










Thank you for participating! Remember, good sleep is a journey, not a destination.

lenny
lenny