On Sept. 11, 2020, Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California introduced House Resolution 1103 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the resolution designates the third week of September as National Student Sleep Health Week. Republican Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois is the primary co-sponsor of this bipartisan resolution.

This year, the AASM organized the first-ever Student Sleep Health Week from Sept. 14-20. This annual event drives awareness of the importance of sleep for students. It emphasizes that healthy sleep is associated with improved concentration, behavior, memory, mood regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health.

The resolution also outlines recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the AASM, and the Sleep Research Society, on sleep hygiene for children and teens.

“Sleep is essential for the health and well-being of students, and this resolution will help raise awareness of the importance of sleep on a national level,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar. “I commend Rep. Lofgren for supporting our nation’s students through the recognition of National Student Sleep Health Week.”

“As we deal with the unique challenges and added stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the necessity of good, quality sleep is all too clear,” said Lofgren. “Insufficient sleep has been associated with hypertension, obesity, and even depression. And, unfortunately, the effects of poor sleep hygiene can be compounded for young adults and children — often leading to poor health outcomes and performance in school. Designating the third week of September as National Student Sleep Health Week will help raise awareness for — and highlight the importance of — healthy sleep for students of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The resolution:

  • Recognizes that 75 percent of high school students report insufficient sleep
  • Emphasizes that teenagers should sleep 8 to 10 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health
  • Outlines the benefits associated with healthy sleep, and the health risks associated with insufficient sleep
  • Encourages the practice of good sleep hygiene
  • Recognizes the importance of policies to improve sleep health

Parents, students, and other advocates for student health can visit the AASM Action Center to ask their representatives to cosponsor the resolution. For more information about House Resolution 1103, contact [email protected].

Authored by:

Corinne Lederhouse