Sleep Needs & Challenges 

1. Technology and Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, can disrupt sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted and the engaging nature of digital content. 
2. Irregular Sleep Schedule: Inconsistent sleep schedules, such as staying up late on weekends or changing your bedtime/wakeup time for work, cultural, or religious events, etc., can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
3. Homework and Academic Demands:Excessive homework or academic pressures can lead to sleep deprivation, as students may sacrifice sleep to complete assignments or study.
4. Family Obligations: Children may be expected to help support their family directly through working at a part-time job, engaging in caretaking responsibilities, or assisting with household tasks.
5. Stress and Anxiety:Stressful situations, academic pressures, or personal challenges can interfere with sleep quality and duration.
6. Sleep Disorders:Some children may experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome, which can significantly impact their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Lack of sleep can impair learning abilities, leading to a slower work pace, difficulty remembering information, and decreased focus. Sleep-deprived children may exhibit sleep-like brainwave patterns, causing them to become more easily distracted and have trouble concentrating during class. Tiredness can also lead to moodiness, impulsivity, and poor decision-making. Furthermore, insufficient sleep has been linked to an increased likelihood of childhood obesity due to hormonal changes that affect hunger levels, potentially leading to overeating (Paris, Ricardo, & Rymond, 2019).