Sleep is an important part of each of our lives, or it should be. Sleep deprivation in children can cause poor academic performance, irritability, lack of coordination, and it can slow their growth. In adults, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And while we may like to sleep in on Saturday, there is no way to make up for sleep we have lost.
A good sleep routine is important for all of us. AHG includes the need for sleep in the Best Me, I Can Be Merit Badge. In order to be your best, you need sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that school-aged children get 10 -11 hours of sleep each night. To assist your Explorer in completing this requirement, I have created a downloadable pdf file for them to use.
For 14 days, the Explorer writes down the time she went to bed and what time she gets up. Even the youngest Explorer should be able to do this. Then with adult help (if needed) they can determine how many hours of sleep they got each night. To download a copy, click on the image preview above, or click here.
NOTE: The requirements have been simplified here. Please be sure to read the full text in the American Heritage Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.
