Sleep: The Secret Superpower Every Student Needs

Let’s be honest—between classes, assignments, part-time jobs, social life, and endless scrolling, sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list for secondary students.

But here’s the simple truth: sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We all need it, and prioritising sleep can be an absolute superpower. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have to support your wellbeing, boost your energy, and help you succeed in your studies.

Hi! My name is Associate Professor Amy Reynolds, and I am a clinical epidemiologist and intern psychologist. My research team at Flinders University are passionate about researching, talking about and supporting sleep – particularly in young adults. The young adults I see in our sleep clinic often tell me they wish they had known more about sleep and sleep disorders when they were going through high school so they could have been more aware about their sleep earlier. So, let’s take a quick minute to talk about sleep.

Sleep affects almost every part of your life. When you’re well-rested, your brain can concentrate better on the work you’re doing the day. You can focus more readily, remember things faster, and make smarter decisions. That’s a big deal when you’re trying to absorb new information or ace an exam. On the flip side, poor sleep can leave you feeling foggy, irritable, and unmotivated—making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

But sleep isn’t just about your brain. It’s also vital for your physical health. Good sleep helps your body recover, strengthens your immune system, and gives you the energy to stay active. If you’re into sports or just trying to stay fit, sleep is your best training partner. Without it, your performance and recovery take a hit. Regularly getting poor sleep can also make it even harder to keep on track with other healthy behaviours, like the foods we choose and the exercise or sports we want to do.

Sleep also plays a huge role in everybody’s emotional wellbeing. It helps regulate your mood, manage stressful situations, and support mental health. In fact, ongoing sleep problems can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. That’s why it’s so important to treat sleep as part of your overall self-care, not something you sacrifice to get more done.

What does struggling with sleep look like or mean? When do I know I need to do something different? Maybe you can’t fall asleep easily, wake up often, or feel tired even after a full night of sleep. Perhaps your body won’t let you fall asleep at the time you’d like to? For other people, perhaps it’s that you’re snoring? Maybe you’re having a hard time working out how to fit enough sleep in with the other activities you’re juggling. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to speak up. Talk to someone you trust: a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or healthcare provider. Sleep problems are common, especially during adolescence and young adulthood, but they’re not something you have to deal with alone.

There’s an amazing world out there who are focussed on helping your wellbeing after dark! There are even specialists including trained sleep psychologists who have a special interest in helping you with your sleep. You can check out more about one of the world-leading Sleep Health groups, who are based in Adelaide, at our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJSboi7Yt2OAjH7KmH-1mh4fCpOxneqm0

Let’s talk (a lot more) about sleep. Just like we’ve started talking more openly about mental health, it’s time we talk about sleep health too. You wouldn’t ignore a broken bone or a persistent cough, so don’t ignore poor sleep. There are simple strategies and supports that can make a big difference.

Here are a few tips to get started:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends.
• Limit screen time before bed—having stressful social interactions before bed can really impact how we get off to sleep.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day—it can stay in your system longer than you think.
• Create a calming bedtime routine—reading, stretching, or listening to music can help.
• Talk about it—if sleep is affecting your mood, energy, or studies, reach out.

Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s about feeling your best. So next time you’re tempted to pull an all-nighter or binge-watch until 3 a.m., remember: sleep is your secret superpower. Use it wisely.