The Importance of Sleep for Children & Teenagers

Sleep is the keystone of our wellbeing and it is fundamental for children’s development. However, the saying ‘I will sleep when I am dead’ seems to have become a mantra for many people. In this masterclass, Dr Anna Joyce explains why it is fundamental for our children to sleep, and to sleep well! This masterclass is recommended for every single one of us.

About the expert

Dr Anna Joyce is an Assistant Professor in Psychology, specialising in sleep and atypical development. Her research focuses on sleep and cognition in typical and atypical development, and the impact of sleep problems on children’s cognition and behaviour. She is especially interested in cognitive development in children with developmental disorders and whether sleep problems which are common in these children could be at least partly responsible for some of the cognitives difficulties they face. She conducts research in aytpical groups, including Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Autism and intellectual disability.

Anna is a chartered psychologist and an honorary lecturer at UCL. She has previously held research and clinical roles at Coventry University and Evelina London, St Thomas’ Hospital.