Page 20 - The Regent Digest Volume 13 Issue 19

Medical Corner

Physical Health

How Sleep Sleep repairs tissues, strengthens the im- Tips for Improving
How Sleep
mune system, and regulates hormones.
Lack of sleep weakens immunity and
Affects Your
Affects Your contributes to long-term health issues Sleep Hygiene
like obesity and heart disease. Teenagers,
Grades and
Grades and in particular, need sleep for growth and • Stick to a schedule: Going to bed and

waking up at the same time every day
energy.
helps regulate your internal body clock,
Health
Health Mental Health improving the quality of your sleep.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: En-
gage in calming activities like reading,
Sleep deprivation can increase stress, stretching, or listening to soft music to
anxiety, and depression by impairing signal to your brain that it’s time to un-
leep is an essential part of life, play-
emotional regulation. When well-rest- wind.
ing a vital role in physical, mental, and
Academic Performance ed, the brain processes emotions bet-
Semotional well-being. For students,
ter, helping students manage stress and • Limit screen time before bed: The blue
particularly those in secondary school, ad-
maintain mental clarity. Adequate sleep light emitted by phones, tablets, and
equate sleep is crucial for maintaining high
Sleep enhances the brain’s ability to balances stress hormones, like cortisol,
academic performance and overall health. computers can interfere with the pro-
process, store, and recall information. It which reduces the risk of mood disorders.
Despite this, many teenagers struggle to pri- duction of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
consolidates memories, making learn- In turn, sufficient sleep promotes emo-
oritize sleep due to academic demands, ex- Avoid screens at least an hour before
ing easier. Students who get 8-10 hours tional stability and resilience, allowing
tracurricular activities, and social engage- bed.
of sleep perform better, focusing better students to approach challenges with a
ments. Understanding the profound impact
and showing improved creativity. In con- positive outlook.
of sleep on learning and health is the first • Keep your sleep environment cool and
trast, sleep-deprived students struggle
step toward making it a priority. quiet: A cool, dark, and quiet room helps
with concentration and problem-solv-
your body relax and fall asleep faster.
ing.
Consider using earplugs or a white noise
Changes in weather can increase machine if noise is a problem.

the likelihood of catching a cold, • Avoid caffeine and sugar, especially in

with many people reporting more the evening: Both caffeine and sugar
can interfere with your sleep by increas-
respiratory infections during the ing alertness. Try to avoid them in the

colder months. By Nurse Ifedola Opesan hours leading up to bedtime.
(School Clinic Nurse)

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