Sleep as a tool to optimize daytime performance.
Free sleep education, screening and resources
Geisinger’s Wake Up and Learn™ (WUAL) program is designed to help students of all ages improve their sleep so they can reach their goals in the classroom and beyond. WUAL has been used with middle and high school students, college students, medical students — even residents and fellows. No matter the participants’ age, the basic pillars of the program are the same:
- Educational resources and tools are provided to schools to raise awareness of how sleep is relevant to the things that matter to students — such a grades, relationships, athletic performance and mental health.
- Brief surveys are used to identify students at high risk for problematic sleep.
- A more comprehensive survey can be completed, resulting in personalized feedback outlining potential sleep problems and recommendations that can be shared with students’ primary care doctors.
- For students under age 18, parents are provided information before the surveys are distributed.
Everyone can benefit from improved sleep, and it’s critical that finances aren’t a barrier to using the program. WUAL is funded with philanthropic and grant dollars, allowing schools to access this innovative program for free.
It’s about more than grades
The benefits of good sleep and the consequences of poor sleep can be especially pronounced in learning environments. When you sleep, the information you learn throughout the day becomes a concrete part of your memory, allowing you to recall that information in the future (like on your next exam). Problematic sleep can result in a deterioration of school performance, falling asleep in class and frequent tardiness or absenteeism.
But prioritizing healthy sleep is about more than just getting better grades. Restorative sleep improves speed and accuracy on the playing field, strengthens the immune system, improves mood and decision-making, boosts creativity, even improves your skin. Without the proper amount and quality of sleep:
- Students experience irritability and mood swings, which can put a strain on relationships.
- They’re more prone to risk-taking behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use.
- Mental health problems, such as depression, are exacerbated
WUAL isn’t just about getting better grades. It’s about helping students achieve physical, mental and emotional wellness.
What is Wake Up and Learn?
Dr. Anne Marie Morse introduces Wake Up and Learn and the troubling statistics that inspired her to meet students where they are — in school!
How’s your sleep?
Complete our short sleep surveys to receive instant feedback on whether your sleep is on the right track or if there’s room for improvement.
Program Support
Thanks to Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation, Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and ResMed Foundation for their support of the Wake Up and Learn Program. Together, we can increase awareness about sleep disorders and advocate for their appropriate treatment.