Sleep habits of intermediate-aged students: roles for the students, parents and educators

AIM: Obtain an overview of the current sleep habits and sleep hygiene practices in a group of intermediate-aged students, and establish whether these students achieve adequate sleep according to the New Zealand education and health guidelines. METHODS: A standardised sleep health questionnaire and seven-day sleep diary were completed by 163 participants (aged 11-13; 62% female) from a cross-section of five Christchurch schools. RESULTS: In this group, 71% of students reported 9-11 hours of sleep per night (averaged over seven days). Total sleep time was independent of gender and the day of the week. Bedtimes and wake-times were earlier from Monday-Thursday compared to the weekend (p<0.0001). Fifty-nine percent of students used a device in the hour before bed. Pre-bedtime device users were more likely to achieve less sleep than non-device users (p<0.001). The majority of students (66%) did not choose their bedtime. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of students, the majority achieved a sleep duration within the advised Ministry of Education and Sleep Health Foundation guidelines, despite non-recommended sleep hygiene practices in the pre-bed routine. Parental guidance, with respect to bed times and reduction in device usage before sleep are two factors that could be employed to improve sleep in this group.