cartoon of a girl watching tv at night, then looking tired in school

Illustration by Dean MacAdam; Debate photos courtesy of families; Shutterstock.com (background)

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Is It OK to Stay Up Late During School Breaks?

For many kids, school breaks are a time for family trips, playing video games for hours—and staying up late. 

Although it can be fun to go to bed later when you’re off from school, experts say it’s important to get enough rest. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that fifth- and sixth-graders get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. 

Many people think it’s OK for kids to go to bed later than usual when school is out, as long as they get some extra Zzz’s in the morning. They say kids should return to their regular sleep routine a few days before the break ends so their bodies have time to readjust. 

But some experts argue that kids should keep the same sleep schedules year-round. They point out that kids who stay up too late may be moody or have trouble focusing the next day. Some studies also suggest that going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can be good for your health.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Getting to stay up late during breaks is a treat. It means we have more time to have fun with our friends, hang out with our family, and catch up on TV shows.

My regular bedtime is 8:30 p.m. When school is out, I get to stay up 30 minutes to an hour later. But then I sleep in the next morning to make sure I’m caught up on my rest. Since there’s no school, kids who stay up late could take a nap during the day if they’re still tired.

Kids should stick to their usual sleep schedules during breaks. Getting enough sleep is important, even during breaks, because it keeps your body and mind healthy. Kids who stay up late may be tired the next morning and throughout the day.

Also, going to sleep later when school isn’t in session could make it harder to get back on track when school starts up again. One time, I went to sleep late and woke up late the next morning. I missed the school bus!

What does your class think?

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