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How gadgets affect teenagers' sleep: A new study on sleep and how technologies affect it
06.09.2023 14:50
Updated: 06.11.2024 10:06
Dealing with a teenager who loves their digital gadgets at night can be tough, right?
Well, a new study found that sending them to a boarding school might help them sleep better.
It might sound too radical, but read more to learn the benefits of this method.
A new method to improve sleep
Researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that students who live at the school (called boarders) get about 40 minutes more sleep each night compared to students who go home after school (day students).
This extra sleep happens because boarding schools have strict rules about bedtime and using devices at night.
Even though boarders sleep in shared dormitories, which can sometimes be noisy, they still manage to go to bed earlier and wake up later.
This is unusual because noise usually makes it hard to sleep well.
More about the research
Specialists found that even though boarders got more sleep, they felt similar levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness as day students.
The researchers think that the structured routine in boarding schools, where everything happens at specific times, helps students sleep better.
They also noticed that limiting the use of technology before bedtime was crucial for good sleep, according to both the students and interviews with them.
At first, new boarders might feel homesick, which can make it hard to sleep.
But as they get used to the new place and make friends, this usually gets better.
It's not for everyone
Boarding school has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it can help students make friends, feel happier, and do better in school.
On the other hand, it can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness, behavior issues, and isolation.
These problems can be more common during adolescence when mental health problems can start, often linked to sleep troubles.
