Tired teen asleep on a desk
For children, the summer holiday transition back to school can be difficult to navigate with shifting back to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times and a return to busy daily routines. Research shows that insufficient sleep can negatively affect concentration, memory, decision-making, emotional regulation, and academic performance. Healthy sleep is an essential, yet often overlooked, pillar of student well-being.

Members of the media may directly contact the following uOttawa academic experts on this topic:

Dr. Rébecca Robillard (English and French)

Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Scientist, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal.

[email protected]

Dr. Robillard is co-chair of the University of Ottawa’s Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, which is a national hub of sleep scientists and clinicians advancing research and interventions to optimize sleep health. The Consortium is offering a Back-to-School Sleep Kit, which helps to gradually adjust sleep schedules in preparation for the earlier mornings and increased demands of the school year.

"Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have to support learning and healthy development. As students of all ages prepare to return to school, prioritizing healthy sleep habits can help set the foundation for a successful and rewarding school year.

Sleep needs change with age. School-aged children require 9-to-11 hours of sleep per night, while adolescents need 8-to-10 hours to support healthy growth, learning, and well-being. Despite these recommendations, many young people are not getting enough sleep.”