Getting kids to care about sleep is one of the hardest parts of back-to-school, especially if they're teens.
That’s why we’re handing the mic to someone else today:
Mr. Devin Burke, award-winning sleep coach, TEDx speaker, founder of the Sleep Science Academy and author of The Sleep Advantage. He’s worked with Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 companies, and high-achieving families around the world.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a wake-up call. One your kids might actually listen to on your next drive 🎧
And while they’re learning to protect their rest—what about yours?
We spend almost as much time on our kids' beds as they do.
Bedtime stories, late-night check-ins, weekend snuggles—if you're investing in your child's sleep space, shouldn't it support you too?
That's why we love Tuft & Needle. Their mattresses are designed for real family life: breathable, supportive, and free from harmful materials.
Through Sep. 10th, save up to $700 on select mattresses, get free pillow sets with select purchases, plus discounts on accessories and frames. And you can use code REKSLEEP for an additional 10% off.
Now that you’re covered, here’s something to help your kids care, too.
If kids are going to take sleep seriously, they need to know why it actually matters—to them. It affects the things they care about most: how they feel, how they play, how they connect, and how they grow.
Here are five surprising, science-backed facts that we hope will help your kids start to see sleep as something worth protecting.
🛌 5 Sleep Science Facts Kids Really Care About
Why it's more than just bedtime:
Sports performance goes supernova with sleep.
Teens who get enough rest see up to a 42% boost in serving accuracy, faster reaction times, and sharper focus in sports.1 Without sleep? You’re way more likely to trip up—and get injured.
Sleep makes your body look its best.
Teens who sleep less tend to crave sugar, put on extra weight, and even mess up how their body handles sugar.2 Not exactly glowing.
Grades and memory take a hit, too.
For every hour less sleep a student gets, their GPA drops by about 0.07 points3—and that’s real, measurable academic impact.
Mood and impulse control go out the window.
Lack of sleep messes with how you feel and behave.4 Think mood swings, risky decisions, and being way more likely to snap or act without thinking.
- Growth happens in the glow of early sleep.
Most growth hormone is released right after falling asleep—especially during deep slow-wave sleep in the early night.5 Going to bed late can delay this and sideline your growth potential.
Bottom line? Sleep shouldn't be something parents have to nag about. It’s everyone's secret weapon for feeling better, thinking sharper, and doing more of what we love.
Family tested, nap approved—rest that keeps up with everyone
From bedtime stories to Saturday morning snuggles, family life happens everywhere—including on mattresses.
That's why we love Tuft & Needle's approach: mattresses built for the beautiful chaos of real families.
Their sleep solutions understand that parents need support too—whether you're reading stories, soothing nightmares, or stealing a weekend nap. Cool, adaptive foam that works for everyone. Fiberglass-free and CertiPUR-US® certified for peace of mind. Built to handle whatever family life throws at it.
Labor Day Special is still on through Sep. 10th:
- Up to $700 off on select mattresses
- Free Original Pillow Set (~$160) with OG/Hybrid
- 50% off select accessories
- 20% off frames + foundations
- Extra 10% off just for REK readers with code REKSLEEP
Family life can be hectic. Your sleep shouldn't be.
🧭 Before You Power Down Tonight…
You already know that yelling “Go to bed!” rarely works.
But helping kids understand why sleep matters? That’s where the magic begins.
So here's your midweek challenge:
📺 Watch/listen to the interview with your child.
💬 Ask one question. Let them lead the rest.
We’ll be back Sunday with Adam’s take on health & well-being from his favorite wellness hacks as a busy entrepreneur and dad, to the simple things that keep him grounded and showing up strong.
Until then, may your evenings feel a little more calm—and your mornings a little more doable.
With you always,
Tammy, Sylvia, Adam & Matthew
This edition of our newsletter is proudly sponsored by our empowerment partner. Their support helps us bring you valuable resources and opportunities to support your journey in raising empowered kids.
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