For over 20 years, I have researched and treated children sleep problems. The research suggests changing sleep patterns over the summer break does not have to be a problem.
While a cup of joe or a brief nap during an all-nighter might help you feel a little more alert, it won’t offset cognitive impairments from sleep deprivation when you’re performing complex tasks.
Mary Breheny, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Rosie Gibson, Massey University
Self-help articles and books usually point to the things we can do personally to get a good night’s sleep. But the wider social and economic causes of insomnia deserve more attention.
The issue of poor sleep needs particular attention in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers who have high rates of poor health, social and emotional well-being and education.
Rob Rosenthal, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Although medication and therapy can be effective treatments for ADHD, they’re not the only way to manage the disorder or its symptoms. Creating a daily routine is critical too.
Some health products haven’t been tested for the benefits that they claim to produce. Blue-light blocking lenses are promoted as helping sleep cycles, but there is no evidence to support this.
Good mental health is the ability to adapt to changes and stress. Whatever school looks like, parents can help keep kids’ social-emotional development on track in these four areas.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia provided remission of insomnia in 80 to 90 per cent of adolescents in a research trial, and improved their overall concussion recovery.
The Erdi Foundation Child Health Equity (COVID-19) Scholar, Centre for Community Child Health | Honorary, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne | Team Leader / Senior Research Officer, Murdoch Children's Research Institute