Are You Awake?

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Here are facts and fun about sleep that will keep you awake.

CONNECT:

What are you sleepy? Can’t sleep? Get the answers and more about kids and sleep at http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/JustForKids/Life/OnePagers/Pages/OnePagerSleep.aspx

What causes snoring? Find out all the facts at http://www.medicinenet.com/snoring/article.htm

How do astronauts sleep in space? Read how at https://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMAIP6TLPG_LifeinSpace_0.html

And watch the NASA sleep station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICCuD4M9nIs

Did you know snails can sleep for years, and that giraffes sleep about 20 minutes a day? http://mentalfloss.com/article/66194/15-amazing-sleeping-habits-animals has amazing facts about animal sleeping habits.

What are dreams? Why do we dream? Why do nightmares occur? Here’s the science about dreams: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/dreaming-overview

Have you ever been asked, “Are you asleep?” You can see what sleep looks like in the brain by watching http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/sleep.html

Find out about the universal language of lullabies at http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21035103

CREATE:

Learn how to sing lullabies to babies by following the pictures at http://www.wikihow.com/Sing-Lullabies-to-Babies.

Here are 12 ways to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/sleep/12-ways-to-make-your-bedroom-more-sleep-friendly

Have fun with sleep-related games and puzzles – and more—at http://www.sleepforkids.org/

Here is a collection of calming activities for kids: http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/11110/go-to-sleep-go-to-sleep

CARE:

Do you owe your body a debt – of sleep? This video explains how much sleep do you need: https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

Do you sleep walk, or know someone who does? What accommodations should you make? Find out at http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/sleepwalking.html

When you’re sick, rest and sleep is usually recommended. http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=304&id=1717#5 gives good advice about child sickness and their body needs.

Know somewith with a baby? Create a lullaby playlist for them by following the directions at http://www.mommasociety.com/momma-society/how-to-create-a-lullaby-playlist-and-giveaway

CAREERS:

Want to sleep for a living? It can be more than mattress testing. The field of sleep medicine, for instance, offers several career options: http://school.sleepeducation.com/sleepcareers.aspx