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Sleep to Succeed

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Lesson Plan

Sleep to Succeed Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify the importance of sleep for academic performance and overall well-being, recognize common signs and effects of sleep deprivation, and implement at least two strategies for improving their sleep hygiene.

Many high school students struggle with consistent, quality sleep, which directly impacts their ability to focus, learn, and perform well in school. This lesson provides practical knowledge and tools to help students improve their sleep habits and, consequently, their academic and personal lives.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, informative slides, and practical tip sharing.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Sleep Smart Slide Deck, Sleep Self-Assessment Warm-Up, Power-Up Your Sleep Activity, and My Sleep Action Plan Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Sleep Self-Assessment

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Sleep Self-Assessment Warm-Up.
    - Instruct students to silently complete the assessment.
    - Briefly discuss their initial thoughts on their own sleep habits (e.g., "How many of you feel like you get enough sleep?" - no need for detailed sharing).

Step 2

Introduction: Why Sleep Matters

5 minutes

  • Use the Sleep Smart Slide Deck (Slide 1-3) to introduce the topic.
    - Pose the question: "Why is sleep important, especially for high school students?"
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, linking sleep to energy, mood, and grades.

Step 3

The Science of Sleep & Sleep Deprivation

10 minutes

  • Continue with the Sleep Smart Slide Deck (Slide 4-8) to explain:
    - The basics of sleep (REM vs. non-REM).
    - The consequences of sleep deprivation (failing classes, mood swings, health issues).
    - Share personal anecdotes or relatable examples.
    - Encourage questions and clarify misconceptions.

Step 4

Activity: Power-Up Your Sleep

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Power-Up Your Sleep Activity.
    - Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
    - Instruct groups to brainstorm 2-3 practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene.
    - Have a few groups share one strategy with the class.

Step 5

Cool-Down: My Sleep Action Plan

5 minutes

  • Distribute the My Sleep Action Plan Cool-Down.
    - Ask students to write down one specific sleep goal they will try to implement in the next week.
    - Collect the cool-down slips as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck

😴 Sleep to Succeed! 😴

Why is sleep more than just rest? What does it do for your brain and body?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of sleep. Ask a quick rhetorical question to get them thinking.

Tired of Being Tired?

Are you feeling:

  • Groggy in the mornings?
  • Struggling to focus in class?
  • Forgetful during tests?
  • Moody or easily annoyed?

These could be signs you're not getting enough quality sleep!

Introduce the idea that sleep directly impacts their school performance and overall well-being. Relate it to their daily struggles.

Unlock Your Best Self

Today, we'll learn:

  • Why sleep is VITAL for high schoolers.
  • What happens when you don't get enough.
  • Simple tricks to sleep better.

Explain that this lesson will help them understand the importance of sleep and how to improve it. Briefly mention the objectives.

Your Brain on Sleep: The Basics

Sleep isn't just 'off-time' for your brain!

Non-REM Sleep:

  • Repairs your body & builds energy.
  • Solidifies memories from the day.

REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement):

  • Boosts learning & problem-solving.
  • Processes emotions & helps you dream.

Explain the two main stages of sleep: REM and Non-REM. Keep it simple and focus on what each stage does for them.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

For teenagers (ages 13-18), experts recommend 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Think about it: Are you hitting that goal?

Discuss the recommended sleep for teenagers (8-10 hours). Ask them how many hours they typically get.

The Price of Poor Sleep: Academics

Not enough sleep can lead to:

  • Lower Grades: Trouble focusing, remembering, and problem-solving.
  • Missed Assignments: Lack of energy to complete homework.
  • Difficulty Learning New Things: Your brain can't 'save' information as well.
  • More Mistakes: Especially on tests and projects.

Connect sleep deprivation directly to their academic performance. Use strong, relatable consequences.

Beyond the Classroom: Other Impacts

Sleep deprivation also affects:

  • Your Mood: Irritability, stress, anxiety, sadness.
  • Your Health: Weakened immune system, more likely to get sick.
  • Your Safety: Slower reaction times (e.g., while driving).
  • Your Appearance: Dark circles, dull skin.

Expand on other consequences beyond academics, touching on physical and mental health. This directly addresses the student profile.

The Good News: You Can Take Control!

Even small changes can make a BIG difference. You have the power to improve your sleep and unlock a healthier, happier, and more successful you!

Emphasize that they have the power to change their sleep habits and improve their lives.

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Warm Up

Sleep Self-Assessment: How Well Do You Sleep?

Be honest with yourself! This is just for you to reflect.

  1. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get per night?



  2. How often do you wake up feeling refreshed and energized?
    (Circle one: Rarely / Sometimes / Often / Almost Always)



  3. What time do you usually go to bed on a school night?



  4. What time do you usually wake up on a school day?



  5. How often do you use your phone or other screens in bed before trying to sleep?
    (Circle one: Rarely / Sometimes / Often / Almost Always)



  6. Briefly describe one thing that usually prevents you from getting enough sleep.






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Activity

Power-Up Your Sleep: Brainstorm Session

Working in your small groups, discuss and brainstorm practical strategies to improve your sleep habits. Think about things you can actually do!

Instructions:

  1. As a group, come up with at least 3 different strategies for improving sleep hygiene.
  2. For each strategy, briefly explain WHY it helps improve sleep.
  3. Be prepared to share one of your best ideas with the class!

Our Group's Sleep Strategies:

Strategy 1:




Why it helps:







Strategy 2:




Why it helps:







Strategy 3:




Why it helps:







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Cool Down

My Sleep Action Plan: One Goal

Now that you've learned about the importance of sleep, think about one small, achievable change you can make to improve your sleep habits.

My Sleep Goal for this week is:






I think this goal will help me by:






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