Lesson Plan
Sleep Science Lesson Plan
Students will understand the science of sleep, identify optimal sleep durations for their age, and design personalized bedtime routines to improve their health and academic performance.
Adequate sleep supports memory, mood, growth, and overall well-being. This lesson equips 6th graders with knowledge and real-life strategies to develop healthy sleep habits and boost classroom success.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive slides, guided discussion, hands-on tracking, and peer sharing.
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review Dreamy Data Slides and note key data points on optimal sleep hours.
- Print one copy of the Sleep Log Tracker for each student.
- Prepare discussion prompts for Why Sleep Matters Discussion.
- Arrange seating for small-group discussions and test the projector for slides.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Ask students to raise hands if they felt well-rested today and share one word describing how they feel when they sleep well.
- Record responses on the board to build interest in the topic.
Step 2
Slide Presentation
10 minutes
- Project Dreamy Data Slides showing brain activity during sleep and recommended hours by age.
- Briefly explain the science behind REM and deep sleep stages.
- Highlight consequences of too little or too much sleep on health and learning.
Step 3
Guided Discussion
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and provide prompts from Why Sleep Matters Discussion.
- Have each group discuss questions like “What factors affect your sleep?” and “How does sleep impact your schoolwork?”
- Invite one representative per group to share key insights with the class.
Step 4
Sleep Tracking Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Sleep Log Tracker.
- Model how to log bedtime, wake time, and sleep quality for one week.
- Ask students to brainstorm two habits that could improve their sleep (e.g., no screens before bed, consistent bedtime).
- Students begin filling out their own tracker for the upcoming nights.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Share
5 minutes
- Invite each student to share one new sleep tip they’ll try this week using Share One Sleep Tip.
- Collect tips on the board to create a classroom “Sleep Success” list.
- Encourage students to refer to this list when planning their routines.
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Slide Deck
Dreamy Data: The Science of Sleep
• What is sleep?
• Why study sleep?
• Quick look at brain and body processes during sleep
Welcome the students and introduce the topic. Explain that over the next few slides we’ll explore what happens in our brains and bodies during sleep, how much sleep we need, and why it matters for our health and school success.
Sleep Stages
- Light Sleep (Stage 1 & 2)
– Easy to wake up - Deep Sleep (Stage 3)
– Body repair and growth hormones - REM Sleep
– Dreaming and memory consolidation
Describe the three main sleep stages. Use simple analogies (light sleep = dozing off, deep sleep = recharging, REM = dream time). Emphasize that we cycle through these stages multiple times each night.
Recommended Sleep Hours by Age
Age Group • Recommended Hours
Preschool (3–5) • 10–13 hours
School Age (6–12) • 9–12 hours
Teens (13–18) • 8–10 hours
You (11–12) • Aim for 9–12 hours each night
Point out the recommended sleep hours by age group. Highlight the 9–12 hours recommendation for 11–12-year-olds (6th graders).
Brain Benefits During Sleep
• Memory consolidation (learning & homework)
• Clears waste from brain cells (detox)
• Releases growth hormones (body & brain development)
Explain brain activity benefits. Use bullet points to keep it clear and engaging. Relate memory consolidation to studying and learning.
Consequences of Poor Sleep
Too Little Sleep:
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings & irritability
• Weaker immune system
Too Much Sleep:
• Grogginess & headaches
• Disrupted daily routine
Discuss what happens when we don’t get enough or get too much sleep. Encourage students to relate to times they felt tired or sluggish.
Key Takeaways
• We cycle through light, deep, & REM sleep nightly.
• 6th graders need about 9–12 hours per night.
• Good sleep boosts memory, mood, and growth.
• Next: Let’s discuss why sleep matters and how to improve it!
Summarize key points and transition to the guided discussion. Invite students to think about their own sleep habits and questions.
Discussion
Why Sleep Matters Discussion
Purpose: Connect sleep science to real-life habits and brainstorm strategies for better rest.
Time: 10 minutes
Grouping: Small groups of 3–4 students
Guidelines:
- Listen respectfully: one speaker at a time
- Build on classmates’ ideas with questions and examples
- Stay on topic and keep comments concise
- Choose one reporter per group to share insights
Discussion Questions
- What factors affect how well you sleep at night?
- Consider routines, environment (light/noise), emotions, and screen time.
- Follow-Up: How might each factor help or hinder your sleep?
- How does the amount of sleep you get impact your mood and energy at school?
- Share a time you felt extra tired or extra energetic. What happened that day?
- Follow-Up: How did it affect your focus, participation, or friendships?
- In what ways does sleep help your brain learn and remember new information?
- Relate to a homework assignment, quiz, or project you completed after a good night’s sleep.
- Follow-Up: What differences did you notice in your memory or grades?
- What bedtime habits could you change to improve your sleep this week?
- Brainstorm at least two specific habits to start or stop (e.g., no screens 30 minutes before bed, set a consistent bedtime).
- Follow-Up: Why would these changes make a difference?
After Discussion:
- Each group reporter shares one key insight per question with the class.
- Teacher records top ideas on the board to reference during the Sleep Tracking Activity.
Worksheet
Sleep Log Tracker
Instructions: Use this log to track your sleep each night for one week. Fill in each row each morning and be honest about your bedtime habits and how you feel.
| Day | Bedtime | Wake Time | Hours Slept | Sleep Quality (1–5) | Notes (pre-bed activities, how you felt) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | |||||
| Tuesday | |||||
| Wednesday | |||||
| Thursday | |||||
| Friday | |||||
| Saturday | |||||
| Sunday |
Reflection Questions
- What was the average number of hours you slept each night? Explain how you calculated it.
- On which night did you rate your sleep quality highest? Describe what bedtime habits you used that night.
- Identify two changes you can make to your bedtime routine to improve your sleep next week. Explain why each change might help.
- How do you think better sleep will affect your mood, energy, or school performance? Provide one specific goal for this week based on your reflection.
Cool Down
Cool-Down: Share One Sleep Tip
Purpose: Give each student a chance to reflect on a specific sleep habit they will try this week.
Instructions:
- Think of one new habit you will add or one habit you will stop to improve your sleep.
- Write your tip below and explain why you think it will help.
- Be prepared to share your tip with a partner or the whole class.
My Sleep Tip:
______________________________________________
Why I Chose This Tip:
______________________________________________