“Sleep that soothes away all our worries. Sleep that puts each day to rest. Sleep that relieves the weary laborer and heals hurt minds.” William Shakespeare (Macbeth, 1606)

Heart Disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer's. Three life-threatening diseases. Three diseases all linked to lack of sleep. According to Dr. Okorie from the children’s health division of Stanford University, “7 out of 10 high school students are falling short of… (sleep) on school nights.” The Bulk of American teens are not getting enough sleep. The answer: education.

Sleep is crucial in maintaining and furthering physical health. every 90 minutes whilst asleep growth hormones are released. These hormones are responsible for repairing injuries and growing muscles. When we suffer from lack of sleep, less muscle growth, as well as reduced strength, is experienced. A study from the National Library of Medicine found that students who experienced less sleep scored lower in strength tests. They observed that students who got less than “6 hours (of sleep) had poorer muscle strength than that of men who slept for 7-8 hours”. Once we fall into the trap of poor sleep it can be difficult to break the cycle. Consequently, teenagers need better education regarding sleep so that they too don’t fall victim to this silent plague. With more education students will be able to understand and act towards getting a full night’s sleep.

One might object here and state that teenagers have a different natural sleep cycle. It has been argued that teenagers release the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin later at night. This makes it difficult to fall asleep before that time. Whilst this contains elements of truth it can be worked around easily. The US nationwide children’s Hospital website contains extensive information and tips for teenagers regarding sleep. They state that “Maintaining a regular sleep schedule… Taking afternoon naps (and) avoiding caffeine” in the afternoons are all effective strategies for getting a full night of sleep. Whilst this is a great resource and there are many similar articles, without proper education students will have no reason to act on or even find such information. Without proper education how can we expect teenagers to experience consistent and comprehensive sleep?

There needs to be better education about the significant impact that sleep plays on the life of a high school student. Everyday millions of students attend school or university suffering from sleep deprivation. Actions need to be taken before the serious consequences of sleep deprivation become prevalent. Education is the answer. With a better understanding, students will be able to recognise and act towards maintaining healthy sleeping habits. We mustn’t rely solely on educators. This issue affects everybody and so it is up to everybody to inform and make a difference.

By Archer Bracey, Year 9 TGS student

Works Cited

Brooks, A. (2019, August 22). 70% of High Schoolers Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep. Healthier, Happy Lives Blog. https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/70-of-high-schoolers-arent-getting-enough-sleep/

Cui, Y. (2017). Relationship between sleep and muscle strength among Chinese university students. Relationship between sleep and muscle strength among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study - PMC (nih.gov)

Shakespeare, W., (1606.). The Tragedie of Macbeth. (Playscript). Quote by William Shakespeare: “Innocent sleep. Sleep that soothes away all our...” (goodreads.com)

Nationwide Childrens. (2003). Sleep in Adolescents. Retrieved May 29, 2023. Sleep in Adolescents (nationwidechildrens.org)


Latest Blog

Grammar 150
/
Wednesday, 24 May 2023

That Life-Changing Moment

His teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop saw his potential. She believed this young indigenous boy from Murgon had something special to offer the world and she fought to put him on the path to greatness. Mrs Bishop contacted the then Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, Mr William Dent and asked if Waverley could be accepted into Toowoomba Grammar School on a scholarship. Mr Dent agreed and so changed the course of Waverley’s life. “I don’t like to think about where I would be now if that hadn’t…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 18 May 2023

Senioritis - The way we think affects the way we feel and behave

As high school students approach their final year, they may experience a phenomenon known as "Senioritis". As described by educators, Senioritis is a decrease in motivation and productivity, often accompanied by procrastination, complacency, and negative risk-taking behaviours. While not a medical term, Senioritis is a widely recognized term used to describe a common set of observed behaviours. As Jessica Lahey notes, "Senioritis is a real phenomenon. It can be defined as a decline in…

Read More
Teaching Excellence
/
Wednesday, 10 May 2023

A Space for Learning

A core pillar of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan is to provide an inspiring and broad curriculum for all boys, adopting technology and innovative pedagogy to transform learning outcomes. Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted teachers to explore new frontiers of pedagogy, adapting to the difficult circumstances by launching interactive software, digitising trusty, tried and true resources, recording our lessons, flipping our classrooms, and cultivating an…

Read More
The Arts
/
Wednesday, 03 May 2023

When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life

In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…

Read More
Old Boys
/
Wednesday, 26 Apr 2023

A Trailblazer for Multicultural Australia

Wellington Lee has been described as a trailblazer for multicultural Australia. He was born in 1925 and attended TGS from 1940-42 before serving with the RAAF during WWII from 1943-46 and the Active Reserve of Officers from 1953-83. Mr Lee was a remarkable man of good character who lived in an exciting time of growth and change during Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s history; the early days in Melbourne when 10% of their population was a thriving Asian community. It was also a…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023

REACH - Character Development in the Junior School

Being a kind person is fundamental to the growth of a successful person. Adults in our young men’s lives have a responsibility to model and teach the importance of respect, accepting and acknowledging our need to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. In 2016, the Junior School staff felt there was a need to create a program that allowed us to develop the character of the boys in the Junior School. Tailoring a program to meet our boys’ needs rather than a generic one allows…

Read More
People
/
Thursday, 13 Apr 2023

The Grass is Always Greener

It’s time we put this age-old rumour to rest once and for all… The Toowoomba Grammar School ovals are not painted, dyed or manufactured grass; rather, the glorious green that greets passers-by as they drive into the Garden City comes from the sheer hard work and dedication of our TGS grounds team, led by Danny Beresford. Danny has exceptional pride for his grounds and a strong family connection to TGS. He is an Old Boy (2002-04) who played for the 1st XV in 2004 and was in the Track and Field…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 05 Apr 2023

A life in Words - Reading Biographies

Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people. The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader. Inspirational Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their…

Read More
People
/
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2023

Spielberg in the Making...

I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a…

Read More