Schoolchildren 'more alert and attentive in the afternoon'
Schoolchildren may be more alert, awake and ready to learn in the afternoon than they are in the morning, according to new research.
The study, conducted by the University of Oxford as part of the BBC Terrific Scientific educational campaign, analysed the sleep diaries of 900 children aged nine to 11, and discovered trends that challenged conventional wisdom about the best time to schedule lessons.
Sleep diaries covered three days on either side of the clocks going forward on March 26th, while a series of tests were also carried out to measure children's tiredness and reaction times in the morning and afternoon.
It was found that 68 per cent of participants described themselves as being more of an "evening type", with greater energy levels and higher alertness later in the day, meaning they tended to be sleepier in the morning than the afternoon.
The research also showed that sleep time for the children increased by an average of 30 minutes after the clock-change weekend, contradicting expectations that an hour's sleep would be lost. This was because pupils woke up ten minutes later on average in the morning after the clock change.
These findings may come as a surprise to many primary schools, which often arrange their timetables around the idea that children are more focused and alert in the morning, meaning maths and literacy lessons tend to be held early in the day.
Katharina Wulff, an Oxford University research lecturer who specialises in sleep, said: "Results were surprising in two ways - first, that children slept longer after the clock change; secondly, their reaction time was faster in the afternoon than in the morning.
"The investigation provides a great example of how schoolchildren can get directly involved in research, proving perceived public wisdom wrong."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£100 - 130 per day
Location free text
Bexhill
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
East Sussex
Description
Join Our Team of Dynamic Supply Teachers!Are you a passionate educator looking for flexible teaching opportunities? Teaching Personnel, the UK’s leading education recruitment agency, is seeking enthus
Reference
supplybexhill211124
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Stockton-on-Tees
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Durham
Description
Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher with experience in Key Stage 2?We are looking for a passionate KS2 Supply Teacher to join our vibrant and supportive team. As a supply teacher, you will h
Reference
STT29396
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Hartlepool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Hartlepool
Description
Role: KS1 TeacherLocation: HartlepoolStart: ASAPA school in the Hartlepool area are looking for a KS1 Teacher to join their school and start immediately. The reasoning for the vacancy is that the scho
Reference
STT33985
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£12.90 - 13.50 per hour
Location free text
Bispham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Role – KS2 Behaviour SupportTeaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant for a full-time position supporting Key Stage 2 pupils with challeng
Reference
KS2BEHSUPPTY57
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Blackpool
Description
Day-to-Day Supply Teachers Needed in Blackpool and the Fylde Area – Starting JanuaryAre you a qualified or Early Careers Teacher looking for flexible work that fits around your schedule? Teaching Pers
Reference
DAY2DAYTCHBLKPOOL456
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£84 - 90 per day
Location free text
Bridport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
Are you passionate about supporting young learners and making a difference in the lives of children? We are a leading Teaching Agency looking for dedicated and caring Teaching Assistants to work with
Reference
FFFBRITASU
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£153 - 173 per day
Location free text
Cambridge
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Cambridge
Description
A new post has opened for a Fully Qualified Teacher in our Cambridgeshire branch! This is a flexible role, offering both day-to-day supply and/or long term placements within schools in the Cambridgesh
Reference
PT FQT AB
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimarySalary
£84 - 90 per day
Location free text
Wimborne St Giles
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
Are you passionate about supporting young learners and making a difference in the lives of children? We are a leading Teaching Agency looking for dedicated and caring Teaching Assistants to work with
Reference
FFTAWIMBN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£110 - 160 per day
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Liverpool
Description
Intervention Teacher – Empower Student Success in Wavertree (L15)Start Date: January 2025Are you a dedicated educator eager to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives? If you’re ready to take
Reference
ABa Int *40400
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool PrimaryAuthor
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£84 - 90 per day
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Weymouth
Description
Are you passionate about supporting young learners and making a difference in the lives of children? We are a leading Teaching Agency looking for dedicated and caring Teaching Assistants to work with
Reference
FFTAWEYSUP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job