The Connection Between Nutrition, Sleep, and Academic Outcomes
posted on Aug 30, 2021
When it comes to the academic performance of children, every parent wishes to go out of their way to make sure they leave no stone unturned. And their efforts don’t just stop at a good school or a healthy learning environment at home. As more and more parents realize the importance of a good diet and proper sleep, parents don’t mind working hard to provide the best meals and the right work-rest balance to their children to maximize their learning outcomes.
So, while you, the parents, are putting in all your efforts to provide your kids with nothing less than the best, Gurukul The School, a top ranking school in Ghaziabad, would also like to encourage you to learn about the nutritional value of food and the role of a healthy lifestyle on learning outcomes of children. In this blog, we’ll discuss both these aspects and their respective roles in ensuring children get the optimum conditions they need to learn and prosper. Read on.
How Does Diet and Nutrition Impact Learning Outcomes in Children?
How kids feel is directly related to what they eat. Even for adults, this is no different. For example, when you have heavy starch-based lunch, isn’t it difficult to work through the afternoon? Well, the kind of food you eat daily determines how well your body can function, how focused you are through the day, and it has several long-term effects like immunity, gut health, etc.
In the same way, studies show that healthy, well-balanced food is critical in enhancing academic performance in school-going children. At Gurukul The School, we encourage children to try healthier snacks and meals instead of junk food. We use a nutritionist-approved meal plan to help parents plan their kids’ school lunches in a scientific manner.
Here are the top two ways in which a proper diet enhances academic performance:
- Poor diet leads to higher absenteeism
When a child eats unhealthy food, it makes him more prone to stomach or immunity-related diseases. Headaches, stomach aches, or a lower general immunity are the top reasons for students missing classes. As a result, they end up lagging behind and often can’t cope up.
- A balanced diet means better cognitive development
We all know that maximum brain development reaches its peak before he turns 5, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a proper diet after that. Several studies indicate that lack of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, etc., can hamper cognitive development and slow down physical growth.
Adequate Sleep and Academic Performance in Children
Well, there’s no need for an elaborate introduction to explain the importance of sleep on learning outcomes. Try not to sleep for an entire day or two and solve a puzzle! You’ll know why sleep deprivation is a torture technique. Here are some of the common cognitive and behavioral problems that happen due to lack of sleep:
- Lack of Focus and Memory – How well a child can focus and retain information directly translates into his academic performance. Insufficient sleep impairs memory coding and reduces attention span.
- Slows Down Information Processing – Have you noticed that it takes almost double the time to read a passage when you are sleepy? Well, sleep deprivation increases processing time and impairs critical thinking.
Impairs Sequential Thinking and Creativity – Sleep is very important to remember a series of instructions like playing the guitar. Also, lack of sleep blunts a child’s creativity considerably.
At Gurukul The School, a top ranking school in Ghaziabad, we firmly believe that healthy food and a good night’s sleep are critical in ensuring the overall well-being of children. It is hence important that due attention is given to what they are eating and how apt their sleep cycle is. A healthy and nutritious diet and adequate sleep lay the foundation for better brain health and great physical health. And as you all know, good health is the key to happiness and success.