One common observation I see in the classroom is the tiredness that one may express because they stayed up late the night before. It is quite common
When I read this article, it reflects what I see, even what I have experienced as a student. There is so much technology around us. There is always the temptation to stay up late to watch that TV Show e.g. Revenge or The Voice, the Monday night football match, engage in social networking or ring friends. Even nighttime activities such as sporting competitions etc are keeping people up late.
From time to time, there is the need to burn the midnight oil as assignments and projects need to be completed because they were held off until the last minute.
I do agree with the need to tune out from technology (including TV) before going to bed and I would personally recommend it. I do have a pre bedtime routine myself where I engage in activities that are relaxing and encourage me to fall asleep and minimizes the use of technology. Even simple measures such as keeping the room dark in the evening can help indirectly.
Reading I find is excellent in sending one to sleep. For a student that needs to read their English text, that is a great way to get their reading done but also help them rest. Even if they don't like the book it helps them towards attaining the goal - sleep. If there is a book that they are eager to read, fantastic. Read it then too.
Make sure that the bed is used for sleeping. Keep technology away from the bed and make sure it is switched off. That is what I do. I switch my phone off and turn it on the morning.
Another tip that has worked for me is going to bed at the same time each night.
Time Management is also crucial as well particularly where the sleep deprivation is caused by study. This might mean teaching effective time management skills to my students to ensure that such situations are avoided particularly where an assignment is involved. I have proposed blogging as a form of keeping a record of learning during the learning process. Study schedules work as well as routines can be easily established that allow for maximum use of the time available to us.
