Schools Should Have Siestas and Science Has Our Back

Science says napping helps teens with their studies. So, should schools let students sleep? We asked our members. Here’s one great response.

I think we are all familiar with this situation: We are in class staring at the clock, slowly nodding off with each tick.

We eventually resort to using our pencil case as a pillow, struggling to keep our eyes open, regretting that Netflix binge or staying up until two in the morning playing Fortnite or browsing the endless explore page on Instagram.

Sometimes, however, falling asleep in class isn't our fault. In fact, during our teen years, our bodies’ circadian rhythms get rewired, causing us to produce melatonin (the sleep chemical) later at night compared to adults. The irony? Teens need more sleep than adults, with 14 – 17 year-olds requiring nearly 10 hours of sleep, compared to adults, who only need about eight.

On top of that, we have general stress from school (which also contributes to lack of sleep) as well as other responsibilities such as part-time work and study. It is no wonder most teens are sleep deprived these days.

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That’s why it’s important for schools to accommodate sleepy students who are unable to achieve their personal best or concentrate on the task at hand, because they’re struggling to stay awake. And I think siestas for students at midday, or an at-home break, would refresh students and help them reach their full potential.

Though not as prominent as it used to be, the siesta remains iconic in Spain, where children are able to have three-hour breaks between school hours, for a lunch break with family or a nap at home. I believe this is also a great remedy for mental health issues among young people as they are able to recuperate, spend more time with those they love and focus on their well-being.

As someone who has suffered from insomnia and has missed numerous school days due to extreme sleep deprivation, I think schools need to realise how widespread an issue this is. I know many people like me with sleeping disorders and who cannot get anything out of their day at school because they are too tired to concentrate.

Even a NASA study in 1995 found that a 26-minute nap improved performance by 34 per cent and alertness by 54 per cent!

In order to avoid the afternoon slump among students, schools need to introduce siestas and help their students reach their full potential.

Congratulations to Amy for winning this week's writing challenge: Should Schools Have Siestas? Amy wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge.

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