Experts Emphasize the Importance of Sleep During Back-to-School Season

As the new academic year begins, health professionals highlight a crucial habit for student success: adequate sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) stresses the significance of quality rest for learners of all ages. According to Dr. Shalini Paruthi, a pediatric sleep specialist and AASM spokesperson, establishing healthy sleep routines early can help students start their year focused and energized. She advises families to reset nighttime routines, moving away from late nights with friends or excessive social media use before bed, practices often lingering from summer.

A recent survey by the AASM found that while 85% of parents report their children follow consistent bedtimes, insufficient sleep still impacts many. Parents observe mood changes in 63% of children, behavioral issues in half, and academic declines in about a third. Sleep is vital not only for mood regulation but also for mental health and overall well-being.

Sleep recommendations vary by age: children aged 6 to 12 should get between nine and twelve hours of sleep nightly, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 need eight to ten hours. Despite these guidelines, some parents have resorted to giving melatonin to their children to aid sleep, which the AASM warns against due to safety concerns, including overdose risks, poison control visits, and ER admissions. In 2022, the group urged consultation with pediatricians before using such supplements.

Ensuring adequate sleep is linked to improved mood, behavior, and academic performance. Experts encourage parents and caregivers to prioritize healthy sleep habits and seek medical advice if mood or behavioral issues persist, as sleep could be a contributing factor. For more detailed information, visit source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-prioritize-school-year-experts.html.