Exam preparation may be one of the factors leading your youngster to pull all-nighters. Completing unfinished homework finishing tasks at the last minute are other reasons. The need for instant gratification is another reason why students sleep less than they should. If you give your child a toy or game that it can play right away, then it will most likely get kept awake until it can be used! Eating fast food and playing video games also count as instant rewards that keep your kid alert. Getting enough sleep helps your body function at its best. Students who don't get their required amount of sleep at least five days a week tend to suffer from more illness than their classmates who get more sleep each night. Sleeping in on weekends is another cause of all-nighters; we all know how difficult it is to wake up on Saturday morning! If you suspect that exam preparation is the reason your student is staying up all night, then discuss strategies with them. They might like to start studying together early in the evening instead of just before bedtime. Make sure your student gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. This will help release "brain chemicals" that make them sleepy. Avoid giving your student caffeine after 2 p.m.