FRIDAY, March 10, 2023

As we move toward Daylight Saving Time and the loss of an hour of sleep, we hope that you have been able to realize that sleep is a vital factor in personal health. We encourage you to build a commitment toward improving your own sleep health. Small changes of even an extra hour of sleep can make a big difference! Take time to problem solve anything in your own life that may be interfering with your sleep, whether it is time management, technology, or the belief that you can “catch-up” or “make-up” sleep later. The path to a healthier version of yourself can start tonight.

THURSDAY, March 9, 2023

Sleep impacts your children, both negatively (lack of sleep) and positively (healthy sleep habits).

How lack of sleep impacts your children:

Neurobiological - Impaired prefrontal cortical functioning, amygdala activation, diminished brain connectivity (frontal/limbic), blunted neural reward circuitry (striatum), decreased serotonin activity, HPA axis alterations
Cognitive - Lower grades and achievement test scores, dimished concentration, impaired judgment, decreased problem-solving skills
Physical - weight gain/obesity, diabetes, preference high-fat, high-carb food, acne, perceived as less attractive, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines
Emotional - More depressive symptoms, emotional reactivity, more negative/less positive affect, difficulty regulating emotions
Behavioral - Increasing impulsivity, more prone to violence, risky sexual activities, delinquent behavior, substance use

Positive effects of healthy sleep habits:

Neurobiological - Increases serotonin activity, well-functioning glial cells, optimal functioning of temporal lobe, decreased chance of developing neurodegenerative disorders
Cognitive - Improved memory recall, reduced mental fatigue, optimal classroom performance, faster reaction times, increased critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Physical - Regulated metabolism and hormonal balance, clearer skin, boosted immune system, daily buildup of toxins removed, decreased risk of heart conditions and diabetes
Emotional - Decreased depression, anxiety and stress, Improved EQ, emotional responsiveness, increased positiveness emotions, more efficient recovery from stressful experiences
Behavioral - Decreased aggressive behavior and social withdrawal, less likely to self-harm, increased compliance and attentiveness, improved mood regulation

WEDNESDAY, March 8, 2023

Today we are looking at recommended sleep times, what happens when we don’t get enough sleep, and why some children tend to wind up with energy before winding down for bed.

How much sleep do we really need?

Learn more about the effects of sleep deprivation and ways to help your child get a full night’s sleep.

Learn why winding up with energy at bedtime is normal and how to help establish healthy sleep habits.

TUESDAY, March 7, 2023

Over the next few days, you can learn about healthy sleep habits and what happens if your child (or you!) doesn’t get enough sleep.

• Learn ways to help your child establish healthy sleep habits
• Learn about bedtime routine dos and don’ts

MONDAY, March 6, 2023
Something you can do–for free–to improve your concentration, judgment, grades, emotional state, and decision making: SLEEP! Littleton Public Schools is partnering with Jefferson County and Cherry Creek school districts as well as Sources of Strength to promote Sleep Week, a week-long event highlighting the importance and benefits of good sleep health. It kicks off today, Monday, March 6, 2023 with a special online presentation by Dr. Lisa Meltzer, pediatric psychologist and researcher at National Jewish Health, about The A to Zzzzz’s of Sleep Health. Follow our social media this whole week to learn about the importance of sleep during Sleep Week in preparation for Daylight Saving Time on March 12, 2023!