Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate
Human and Social Biology
School Based Assignment
2025
The relationship between sleep and academic performance in fifth
form students of St. Stanislaus College
Candidates’ Name: Aaliah Insanally
Candidates’ Number: 0900470550
Centre Name: St. Stanislaus College
Centre Number: 090047
Territory: Guyana
Year of Examination: 2025
Teacher: Miss Rashanna Murry
Date of Submission
Acknowledgement
The researchers would like to thank God for giving us the ability to work on and complete
this School Based Assessment, and our teacher for guiding us and providing resources to aid
us in completion.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgement......................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Methodology..............................................................................................................................5
Presentation of Data...................................................................................................................6
Analysis and Interpretation of Data...........................................................................................8
Statement of Findings:...........................................................................................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................9
Recommendations....................................................................................................................10
Reflection.................................................................................................................................11
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................12
Appendix..................................................................................................................................13
Introduction
Overview
Whether over stress or other reasons, secondary school students in Guyana have varying
sleep schedules, which impacts their academic performance. Investigating the impact of sleep
on academic performance, whether negative or positive, is important as it helps to recognize
how much sleep is optimal for academic success, which can impact the future career of
students.
Problem Statement
Too much or too little sleep can negatively impact academic performance of students in St.
Stanislaus College.
Research Objectives
To investigate the relationship between sleep and academic performance of fifth form
students at St. Stanislaus College.
Methodology
The sample identified for this study was secondary school students in Guyana. In order to
gather information on this topic an online questionnaire was used chosen due to its efficiency
in collecting data from several people in a short amount of time. Questions about student’s
sleep schedules and its impact on their current Mathematics grades were asked. However,
since the students are in varying classes and some teachers may give harder tests than others,
this provides a limit on the comparison of the data collected.
Presentation of Data
Figure One – Table showing the number of responses from students indicating their last
mathematics grade.
Figure Two – Bar chart showing the responses to the average number of hours slept on school
nights
Figure Three – Pie chart showing the responses indicating whether more sleep would
improve academic performance.
Figure Four – Bar chart showing the responses to the frequency of Mathematics revision done
on a weekly basis.
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
The aim of this School Based Assignment was to investigate the relationship between sleep
and academic performance in secondary school students. The data collected from our
investigation was analysed using statistical software and our results were presented using
detailed bar graphs, pie charts and tables. Our study involved twenty participants, and the
findings from our investigation revealed that over 30% of the fifth formers at St. Stanislaus
College received a grade of 100% to 80% in their most recent mathematics examination. 45%
of students received a grade of 80% to 60% and, 25% would have received a grade less than
60%. This high passing rate suggests that a significant proportion of students are preforming
well academically and could be indicative of their effective study habits or, the good teaching
methods employed at the college. In response to the average number of hours slept on school
nights, 30% of students reported getting less than 5 hours of rest. Forty percent of students
slept between 5 and 6 hours. 15% indicated sleeping between 6 and 7 hours and, 15%
indicated they got 7 – 8 hours of sleep on school nights. Regarding whether more sleep would
improve their academic performance, 70% of individuals agreed, whereas 30% of the
individuals disagreed with the idea that getting more sleep at night would improve their
academic performance. When asked about the frequency of revision done for mathematics on
a weekly basis, 25% of students reported revision was never done for the subject, 50%
indicated revision was rarely done and, 15% reported revision for mathematics was done a
few times a week.
Statement of Findings:
A significant number of students reported high academic performance, with 30%
achieving grades of 100% - 80%.
However, there is a notable disparity in the number of hours slept on school nights,
with 30% reporting less than 5 hours and only 15% meeting the recommended 7-8
hours of sleep.
The majority of students (70%) believe that more sleep would improve their academic
performance.
Conclusion
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep and academic performance in
fifth form students of St. Stanislaus College. In order to effectively conduct this investigation,
a questionnaire was employed. The results revealed that although students reported high
academic performance, the disparity in the insufficient number of hours slept on school
nights reported is a cause for concern. Many students acknowledged this issue, with a
majority stating getting more sleep on school nights would likely improve their academic
performance.
Recommendations
Students should strive to balance their time more effectively. To be better prepared for
mathematics examinations, they should allocate specific times for studying during the
week, allowing for more time to sleep. Adequate sleep is important for memory, as the
brain uses this time to process new information and consolidate it for future use.
Students should establish a nightly routine that includes removing distractions, such
as their phone, one hour before sleep, in order to achieve the recommended hours of
sleep each night.
Reflection
Throughout this project, I learned two key things that deeply resonated with me. First and
foremost, I understood the importance of sleep for academic performance. Sleep is extremely
important for students aiming to perform well academically, as it supports their mental,
physical, social and emotional development. Insufficient sleep can result in memory
challenges, as well as difficulty focusing and learning in class. Additionally, I recognized the
importance of time management, especially among students, as it helps improve sleeping
habits and ensures students are prepared and ahead in their studies, especially before exams.
I, the researcher plan to implement these lessons into my life by establishing a nightly routine
that allocates time for my assignments, leisure, chores and ensures I attain the recommended
hours of sleep each night. This investigation could be improved by expanding the sample size
to include students from different grades and schools. The findings suggest that inadequate
sleep among fifth-form students can harm academic performance, this can potentially lead to
increased levels of stress and anxiety among students, which can potentially impact the
school’s reputation and limit future career opportunities for the individual.
Bibliography
A. Tindale (2018), Collins Concise Revision Course: CSEC Human and Social
Biology, London, HarperCollinsPublishers
Budson, A. E., MD. (2021, April 2). Want to improve your memory? Get a good
night’s sleep! Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/want-to-improve-
your-memory-get-a-good-nights-sleep-2021040222255
Watson, S. (2024, August 23). The effects of sleep deprivation on your body.
Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#faq
Appendix
How does sleep affect academic performance of secondary school students?
1. How many hours of sleep do you usually get on sleep nights?
Less than 5
5 to 6 hours
6 to 7 hours
7 to 8 hours
More than 8 hours
2. What was your last Mathematics grade?
0 to 10
10 to 20
20 to 30
30 to 40
40 to 50
50 to 60
60 to 70
70 to 80
80 to 90
90 to 100
3. How often do you feel tired during your mathematics class?
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
4. How would you rate your ability to concentrate during mathematics class?
✘ Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Very Poor
5. How often do you review or study for Mathematics outside of school hours?
Everyday
A few times a week
Once a week
Rarely
Never
6. How rested do you feel when you wake up on school days?
Very rested 1
Very tired 5
7. How would you describe the quality of your sleep on school nights?
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Very Poor
8. Do you think getting more sleep would improve your academic performance?
Yes
No
Maybe
9. How often do you experience difficulty remembering information learned in Math
class?
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
10. What factors most affect your sleep on school nights? (Choose all that apply)
Home – Work
Stress
Screen Time
Extracurricular Activities
Family Responsibilities
Other
Thank you <3
