Bed by 11 - Post Week 1

One week after the challenge began, we find ourselves once again with our “Make or Break” series participants for an update on their status. Let’s see how they’re doing:

Have you come across any challenges? How are you approaching them?

Keren (Grade 10): “I don’t think I have yet, the homework challenge has not been much of an issue since it’s only the first week of school. However, I did have to do homework one morning. I actually didn’t mind, because I found that I was much more productive and had a good nights rest, where as I am burnt out trying to finish my homework at around 9-12pm.”

Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “I tend to start getting ready to go to bed at 11:00-11:20, so after I'm done my nightly routine, I get to bed at 11:40, but then fall asleep at 12. It's a challenge to get to sleep sooner, but I feel that the extra 30 min shouldn't make a big difference.”

Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I have a lot of extracurriculars after school which makes it hard to complete my homework before 10:30. To approach this challenge I’m trying to do my homework faster and more efficiently.”

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I've had some trouble adjusting to a schedule with school as it is drastically different than my routine/schedule from summer. To approach this challenge, I've been trying to keep my current schedule generally consistent to hopefully adjust faster.”

Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Before I started this challenge, I was sleeping much later (around 1-2am). I had not well adjusted to sleeping early, and I had experienced insomnia in the first half of the week because of it. Now that I have gotten used to sleeping by 11, it has become slightly easier everyday. Another challenge I face is an increasing workload that wasn't present in the first week, and I am currently in the process of rearranging my schedule during the day to be able to get enough sleep and stay productive.”

Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I sleep with my grade 6 sister (she has her own room, but we enjoy each other’s company). As of now, I can easily manage myself and be in bed by 11. It takes considerable effort to force my sister to do the same. Sometimes that means shutting down the wifi in the house which gets me an earful of “You’re the worst sister in the world!”s and “I hate you”s but we reconcile eventually. Then, there’s the issue of us talking in bed about life. Honestly, I enjoy these conversations we have because they’re either super funny or super philosophical. They are too exciting and long, though, for one trying to fall asleep though at 11. I guess we’ll try to shorten them a little bit, as well as maybe climb into bed by at least 10:30 to comply.”

Have you noticed any changes in your behaviour or performance throughout the day? (mood, energy) Are they mostly positive or negative?

Keren (Grade 10): “I’m definitely have a much more positive attitude and more energetic in the morning, however, I still find my self tired in the afternoon since I’m still getting used to full school days after not having them for over a year.”

Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “MUCH more energetic and focused.”

Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “Not at the moment, but I home to encounter some soon!”

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I haven't noticed any significant changes as of yet, however, I do think that had I not joined the study, my energy levels would be lower because of getting less sleep.”

Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I've noticed that I feel much more energetic and happy with more sleep. I used to feel very weighed down and heavy, but I have felt lighter on my feet recently and feel motivated to be active when I have time. Another change that I found significant is not feeling exhausted in classes to the point where I fall asleep, and therefore have not ruined my regular sleep schedule from taking naps. Overall, the changes have already shown to be positive.”

Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I can't really tell for my general mood or behaviour around others. I'm the kind of person who tries to be positive but also goes loopy or gets irritated for no reason without realizing. I think I'm the same person. I do feel more organized and motivated to not procrastinate though, and my study/work habits have definitely improved in efficiency.”

Have you initiated any changes in your routine?

Keren (Grade 10): “I make sure to shower earlier, at least getting in the shower at 10pm so I’m not rushing to get into bed. Since I’m going to sleep at 11, I have found that I wake up a little earlier and faster, which gives me time to sit on the balcony (if the weather is not to cold) and finish some homework or read. This is something I really like, because it starts my day off right (not on my phone as much in the morning) and gives me time to read which I didn’t have time for before.”

Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Not since the beginning of the experiement.”

Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I put my phone outside of my bedroom every night.”

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I have started to get ready for bed at a consistent time that is earlier than which I normally get ready for bed.”

Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “A change I have tried to implement so far is trying to do all my regular homework before dinner and saving the time afterwards for doing whatever I wanted, such as working on clubs, reading, or playing the ukulele. This advice was given to me by a friend that sleeps early on a regular basis and isn't part of this challenge!”

Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I've started running long distance some mornings and plan to make it a routine for certain days of the week, which I would have never had the energy to do before... heck I could barely even wake up in time before, much less consider doing some exercise.”

How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 2?

Keren (Grade 10): “I feel pretty confident and satisfied with the benefits of choosing to do this challenge.”

Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Good!”

Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I want to keep going!”

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I feel a bit uneasy as I know that my workload will start to get heavier and my routine may have to change to adjust to it.”

Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I can see the workload severely increasing just from the first week, so I believe it will be difficult to balance this challenge and remain productive enough. I had definitely seen the benefits from the first week already though, and I have just as much incentive as the first week to see this challenge through!!”

Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Good! I'm excited for what's in store, and as of now, I still think I got this in the bag. I'm definitely not stopping any time soon.”

Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 5 (sunglasses)

Alisa Wu (Grade 11): Option 5 (sunglasses)

Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): Option 6 (geeky)

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 3 (cry)

Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 4 (happy, blushing)

Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 4 (happy, blushing)

If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9