Workshops for sleep deprived teenagers rolled out in NSW high schools

A new educational workshop designed to teach students the importance of sleep is being used at high schools across New South Wales.

As more than 70,000 students prepare for their stressful HSC exams, many are not receiving the recommended nine hours shut-eye.

“Right now we have seven out of 10 teenagers who are not getting enough sleep that they need,” Lisa Maltman, founder of educational organisation The Sleep Connection, told 9NEWS.

Read more: Technology-driven insomnia rife in Australian teenagers

The Sleep Connection provides high school students with workshops on the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation.

It is run in collaboration with the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Australia’s leading sleep and respiratory health organisation.

Students at Mount St Benedict College in Pennant Hills recently participated in the workshops, learning a handful of practical tips, including the importance of removing electronic devices from their bedrooms.

“It’s something quite vital, particularly as they're leading into the HSC, for them to understand and know how to manage sleep,” Assistant Principal Jackie Dean said.

Under-slept teens can expect to face a slew of negative consequences, including increased irritability and lack of concentration.

Sustained sleep deprivation can impact metabolism, appetite hormones and brain development.