Introduction to the Contest
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is excited to announce the 2026 "Sleep for Success" High School Video Contest. This annual event is a unique opportunity for teens to express their creativity, share their perspectives, and help their peers understand the importance of sleep. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn, inspire, and compete for a prize while spreading a crucial message about healthy sleep habits.
Categories and Rules
To participate, students need to create an original 30- to 90-second video that highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep for teens. The entries can be submitted in one of the following categories:
- Short Film / Original Story: A live-action fictional short featuring original characters, storytelling, and a creative plot centered on healthy sleep.
- Musical / Parody: A fun song or playful reinterpretation of a well-known movie, series, or viral moment with a sleep-health twist.
- Animation / Anime: An animated piece that uses art and motion to highlight why sleep is essential.
Creative Freedom
Regardless of the chosen category, the core goal is to show why sleep matters for teens and how it impacts daily life. Videos can range from humorous to heartfelt, creative to educational, giving participants the freedom to express their ideas in their preferred style.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the contest offers teens a chance to develop their media skills, explore the art of storytelling, and make a real impact on their peers. The winning videos will be featured by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, providing students with a platform to share their message with a broad audience.
Importance of Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in various aspects of a teen’s life, including focus, learning, mood, creativity, athletic performance, and road safety. When teens get the sleep they need, they experience improvements in cognitive function, emotional well-being, and energy levels, making healthy sleep an essential topic to highlight.
Prizes
Winners of the contest will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and the teacher connected to the winning entry will be awarded a $100 gift card. This makes the contest a rewarding opportunity for both students and educators.
Deadline
Entries for the contest must be submitted by Wednesday, March 11 at noon EDT. Interested participants can find more information and review the full contest rules on the 2026 contest page to get started.
Conclusion
The 2026 "Sleep for Success" High School Video Contest is an exciting opportunity for teens to engage with the importance of sleep in a creative and meaningful way. By participating, students not only stand a chance to win prizes but also contribute to raising awareness about healthy sleep habits among their peers. With its emphasis on creativity, education, and community impact, this contest is a unique and valuable experience for high school students.