More than 600 medical professionals in 38 states this week will view the hard-hitting documentary "Race to Nowhere" in a live, online stream during National Sleep Awareness Week. “Race to Nowhere” spotlights the toxic culture of achievement that plagues the American education system—and its unintended health consequences for our nation's children.
“Race to Nowhere,” directed by Lafayette-based filmmaker Vicki Abeles, has been hosted more than 4,000 times—for a cumulative audience of more than one million—in community-facilitated events sponsored by schools and parents nationwide. The National Sleep Awareness Week live, online stream for physicians marks the next chapter in the film’s innovative release strategy and the grassroots movement it has inspired.
Medical professionals viewing the film in this period will also participate in an online discussion focused on becoming advocates for student health in their local school communities.
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Anne Robinson, a pediatrician and mother of three in Ridgewood, New Jersey, has shown “Race to Nowhere” multiple times in her community to raise awareness about the importance of adequate student sleep, reduced homework loads and a balanced schedule to student success and well-being.
"Education and health are inextricably connected,” Robinson says. “Medical professionals see young patients daily who are anxious, sleep deprived, depressed and abusing alcohol and drugs. Very often the contributing factors stem from the inordinate amounts of homework students are expected to tackle each night; the intense competition and pressure surrounding academics and standardized testing; and the unmanageable time demands of extracurricular activities and sports." Robinson says “Race to Nowhere” is a must-see for all physicians working with children and teens.
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Dr. Abigail Baird, a neuroscientist and professor at Vassar College whose research focuses on the teen brain, agrees that the importance of sleep for normal adolescent brain development cannot be underestimated. “A myriad of empirical studies have demonstrated that disruption of sleep and/or sleep deprivation is linked to anxiety, depression, poor impulse control, acting out and escapist behaviors such as drinking, drugs and sex and in some cases psychiatric disaster,” Baird notes.
Physicians wishing to watch “Race to Nowhere” via the free, online live stream, March 5-11, can register at http://www.racetonowhere.com/national-physicians-screening-week
