According to Koko Beers, spokesperson for the Brain Foundation, the importance of good sleep is still underestimated by young and old alike. “Sleep keeps your brain healthy and helps the body recover. Sleep is particularly important for young people, whose brains are still developing rapidly. In the short term, it leads to a better memory, improved school performance and a better mood. In the long term, it reduces the risk of depression, for example. Plenty of reason to work on this as a family.”
#ikslaap challenge
The #ikslaap challenge was developed to encourage the right behaviour among both young people and their families. For one week, young people and their parents/caregivers are challenged to improve their sleeping habits. Each day, participants receive a new assignment, with the aim of making them aware of the importance of a good night’s sleep. For example, they are asked to make agreements together about their screen use, and dedicated (home)work periods are scheduled. The goal is to develop good sleeping habits among young people and their parents.
The challenge can be started throughout the year. During the week of 9 to 15 March, which includes World Sleep Day (13 March), young people who take part in the #ikslaap challenge have a chance to win a great prize: the winner may style their bedroom according to their own wishes, up to a value of €2500, made possible by IKEA Netherlands.
Want to take part yourself?
Would you like to take part in the #ikslaap challenge yourself? You can! You can register via the website www.hersenstichting.nl/ikslaap. The challenge can be followed on social media via the Instagram account @ikslaap.
Charge your Brainzzz
Would you like to do more besides the challenge to sleep better? Then use Charge your Brainzzz. With this teaching package, the Brain Foundation wants to inform young people about the importance of sleep for healthy brains and encourage them to improve their own sleeping habits. Young people in particular are highly susceptible to sleep problems due to the shift in their day-night rhythm as a result of hormonal changes.
Order the free teaching package here.