Sleep Zones for Better Health

Recharge is your energy. It influences the choices you make. fit presents different ways to recharge and get energy: 

• Relax, without a screen, throughout the day. 
• Get enough sleep.  Below are the minimum and maximum hours of sleep for different age groups as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
  • Ages 4-12 months: 12-16 hours (including naps)
  • Ages 1-2 years: 11-14 hours (including naps)
  • Ages 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps)
  • Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
  • Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours

This unit introduces students to the importance of getting enough sleep. They will learn about how to establish or improve their bedtime routines and how to create their own sleep zone—an environment conducive to sleep.

As a large group, have kids list important features of a bedroom.

To use this with your students click here.

Best Elements for a Sleep Zone

Ask students to close their eyes and create a mental picture of a bedroom before you begin the slideshow. 

Examine Your Sleep Space

A child's room can promote good sleep. Dim lighting, soft blankets, comfortable pillows, shades to block sunlight, quiet music, and uncluttered surfaces help to create a sleep zone for better sleep. Television, computer screens, and bright light can interfere with sleep.

Ask students to think about why bright lights, phones, televisions, and computers are distractions that can keep them from falling asleep.

Check for understanding: What is one thing you can do to help yourself sleep better?

Improve Your Sleep Zone

Download the Sleep Zones printable to help students understand what makes an ideal sleep zone. Then have students choose at least one thing they can do to make their sleep spaces a better sleep zone.

Encourage students to ask a family member for help if needed.

Today we learned about sleep zones. Next we will revisit what we have learned about how your sleep affects your energy throughout the day.