Help a child's grades with blackout shades

In a recent column in The Vail Daily, Dr Drew Warner wrote that, when it comes to helping a child get better grades, there is no substitute for a good night's sleep. Tired students have a harder time concentrating and waking up in time for class.

One study determined that teens who got the least amount of sleep earned C's and D's and the ones who got the most generally received A's and B's. Warner claims that the optimal amount of sleep for an adolescent should be around nine hours each night.

Drinking caffeine or soda after dinner can result in trouble falling asleep, so caffeinated beverages should be avoided in the evening. A computer can also interrupt sleep cycles simply by being a bright source of light and sending the brain the wrong signals about daylight.

Warner also suggests that staying up all night can have a significantly detrimental effect on sleeping patterns. Individuals should try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.

Experts claim that one way to make a room conducive to sleep is to make it as dark and quiet as possible. Blackout shades can effectively block bright streetlights or headlights at night, creating an atmosphere than can be ideal for a deep sleep.