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Did you know that Westford Academy students average between 6 and 6.5 hours of sleep a night? Compare that to the 8-10 hours of sleep that is recommended for adolescents. That kind of chronic sleep deficit can affect their physical health, mental health, and academic outcomes.
What can we do to improve our kids’ sleep lives? At home, we can get keep them off of devices and screens as much as possible, especially later into the evening. Phones, tablets, and TVs are stimulating to the brain and likely to make it harder to fall asleep. On top of that, the pull of Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, and good old-fashioned texting is often a tempting distraction from the efficient completion of homework and chores.
The Start Time Citizen Advisory Council (CAC), is taking applications from now until April 24. Westford Public Schools have convened this committee (which will be made up of parents, students, and school staff) to look at the implications of changing to later schools start times—especially at the middle and high school levels. The CAC will present their recommendations to the superintendent and the Westford School Committee in the fall, with possible adoption in the ’20-’21 school year.
To learn more, go to bit.ly/WPSStartTimeCAC.
