Ian Oswald’s Theory of Sleep as a Strategy for Promoting Excellent Students’ Academic Performance

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between sleep and the academic performance of higher institutions students. Sleep is an integral part of human life, and its excess or inadequacy could lead to disaster. Ian Oswald postulated a restoration theory of sleep that explained sleep’s beneficial effect. Factors responsible for excellent academic performance were highlighted, and Ian Oswald’s restoration theory of sleep was explored to ascertain its relationship with the academic performance of students of higher institutions. A descriptive research design was employed for the study. The scope of the study was delimited to Nigeria, and the study sample was drawn from students of higher institutions across the country. The study used the unstructured interview to substantiate existing data on sleep and academic performance. The study’s findings revealed that adequate quantity and quality of sleep could promote excellent academic performance. It was also revealed that lack of adequate sleep could lead to various illnesses that could hinder students’ excellent academic performance. The study further revealed that sleep time and duration consistency is paramount if body and brain restoration is desired. The study recommends understanding and application of Ian Oswald’s restoration theory of sleep as a strategy that could promote excellent academic performance of students in Higher institutions of learning. It also recommends good sleeping habits to students in higher institutions in a bid to achieve excellent academic performance