Activity: Sleep Cycle Simulation

Objective: In this hands-on activity, students will work in small groups to sequence the stages of sleep correctly, simulate the relative time spent in each stage, and reflect on how each stage feels and functions.

Materials (per group):

• A set of colored index cards or printed cards labeled:
  1. Stage 1 (NREM)
  2. Stage 2 (NREM)
  3. Stage 3 (NREM)
  4. REM
• Timer or stopwatch
• Small table or desk space
• Sticky notes and pens

Setup (Before class):

1. Print and cut out one complete set of sleep-stage cards per group. Use different colors for each stage.
2. Create “stage description” slips on the back of each card or on separate cards: brief notes on what happens in that stage (brain waves, dreaming, body repair, etc.).
3. Arrange the classroom so that 4–5 chairs form each group table.

Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Divide students into groups of 4–5. Distribute one full set of stage cards and a timer to each group.
2. Explain that one full sleep cycle goes through Stage 1 → Stage 2 → Stage 3 → Stage 2 → REM in about 90 minutes.
3. Task: In 2 minutes, groups arrange their cards in the correct order of a single sleep cycle. Encourage them to check the stage descriptions if you provided them separately.
4. Once the sequence is set, have one student “time” the cycle by assigning quick “mini-simulations”:
   • Stage 1: count aloud slowly to 5
   • Stage 2: count to 10
   • Stage 3: count to 15
   • Back to Stage 2: count to 10
   • REM: count to 8 while gently waving arms (to mimic rapid eye movement)
5. As they simulate, ask one student to record how it felt to “be” in each stage and note any surprises on sticky notes.

Debrief (3 minutes):

• Invite each group to share one insight or challenge from their simulation.
• Ask: “Which stage felt longest or shortest? Why might our real sleep cycle be similar or different?”
• Highlight how time in each stage shifts across the night (e.g., more REM later).

Extension (if time allows):

• Challenge groups to simulate two back-to-back cycles, swapping roles so everyone gets a turn timing and reflecting.

Link: Continue the conversation with How Did You Feel Without Sleep for the next discussion.

Discussion: How Did You Feel Without Sleep?

Purpose

Help students connect the science of sleep to their own experiences by reflecting on how missing sleep impacts mood, focus, and daily life.

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully and wait your turn to speak.
• Keep comments related to sleep and its effects.
• Encourage classmates by building on their ideas.

Think–Pair–Share (5 minutes)

1. Think: Recall a time when you didn’t get enough sleep (maybe you stayed up late finishing homework or felt sleepy in the morning).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Pair: Turn to a partner and share:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • How did you feel physically? (e.g., tired, headache)
   • How did you feel emotionally or mentally? (e.g., cranky, unfocused)
3. Share: Which part of your day was hardest without enough sleep? (classwork, sports, chores)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Whole-Class Sharing (5 minutes)

• Invite 3–4 volunteers to summarize what they and their partner discussed.
• Record key words on the board under headings: Physical, Emotional, Daily Tasks.

Deeper Questions & Follow-Up

• Looking back at our Sleep Cycle Simulation, which sleep stage do you think you lost the most? Why might missing that stage matter?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How do you think a single night of poor sleep could affect you long-term if it happens often?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Based on today’s lesson, what is one healthy sleep habit you can start this week?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Next Steps

Transition to the Cool-Down: Recap & Healthy Sleep Tips activity, where each student will write and share one tip on sticky notes to build our Good Sleep Habits poster.

Warm-Up: Yawn or Energy Boost?

Let’s kick off by checking in on our sleep levels!

1. Stand Up & Vote (1 minute)
   • If you’re feeling sleepy, move to the corner labeled 😴 Yawn
   • If you’re feeling energized, move to the corner labeled ⚡ Energy Boost
2. Quick Pair-Share (2 minutes)
   • Turn to a neighbor in your corner.
   • Share one reason why you feel sleepy or energized right now.
   • As you share, jot one key word on a sticky note that captures your reason.
3. Class Trends (2 minutes)
   • Place your sticky note on the whiteboard under Yawn or Energy Boost.
   • We’ll quickly scan the notes and call out 2–3 common themes.

Why do this?
This activity helps us see how last night’s sleep (or today’s morning routine) affects our energy—and it gets us moving and talking before we dive into the science of sleep!