DARIEN, IL – The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the three students selected as the winners of the 2025 AASM “Sleep for Success” High School Video Contest. The contest focused on helping teens understand the importance of prioritizing sleep to improve their academic and athletic performance, enhance their physical and mental health, and set themselves up for long-term success.

More than 60 video entries were submitted by high school students from across the U.S. Each entry was evaluated by a set of judges for appropriateness, relevance, engagement, creativity and scientific context accuracy of its message.

“Healthy sleep is the foundation for students’ success in school and beyond,” said AASM President Dr. Eric Olson. “This contest gives teens a creative way to promote healthy sleep habits among their peers.”

Submissions were reviewed under three different themes: personal perspective, advocacy and public service announcement (PSA) by several expert AASM member reviewers. Monetary prizes for each winning video are provided to the student and his or her sponsoring teacher.

Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, sleep is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Getting sufficient sleep on a regular basis is essential for health, well-being, and mood. The AASM recommends that teens between 13 and 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Winners

Category 1 – Personal Perspective
Ashlynn Kionka, 12th grade
Derek Rabbers, teacher
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Milwaukee, WI

Category 2 – Advocacy
Ryan Shintani, 11th grade
Sean Turkington, teacher
Ridgewood High School
Ridgewood, NJ

Category 3 – PSA
Ami Le, 10th grade
Rebecca Walz, teacher
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Fairfax, VA

The AASM would like to give honorable mentions to the participants who were in the runner-up position in each of the 3 themes:
Category 1 – Personal Perspective
Madelyn Hong, Grade 10
Todd Salesky, teacher
Brea Olinda High School
Fullerton, CA

Category 2 – Advocacy
Shaan Kalyani, Grade 11
Richard Ireland, teacher
Mount Hebron High School
Ellicott City, Maryland

Category 3 – PSA
Suhani Faldu, Grade 11
Danielle Jensen, teacher
Biotechnology High School
Manalapan, NJ

Natalie Chen, Grade 11
Mariana Balestreri Rodriguez, teacher
Mission Bay High School
San Diego, CA