DARIEN, IL – The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the three students selected as the winners of the 2026 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 120 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.
“Sleep is essential for a teenager’s cognitive and emotional development” said AASM President Dr. Anita Shelgikar. “Without adequate sleep, teens may struggle with focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation, which can have lasting impacts into adulthood.”
Submissions were reviewed under three different categories: Short film/original story; Musical/Parody; and Animation/Anime. 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
Theme: Short Film/Original Story
- Noah Riley, Haley Huffman; Grade 11
- Kim Haney, teacher
- Marion L Steele High School, OH
- American Teen: A Nature Documentary
Theme: Musical/Parody
- Jessica Minicozzi; Grade 10
- Thomas Siegrist, teacher
- Wheaton High School, MD
- Sleepless Idiot
Theme: Animation/Anime
- Jaylynn Sharau; Grade 12
- Tom Angelo, teacher
- Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School, KS
- High Schoolers Need Sleep
The AASM would like to give honorable mentions are to the participants who were in the runner up position in each of the 3 themes:
Short Film/Original Story
- Muhamad Saad Jaelani, Grade 12
- Randy Sissel, teacher
- Fort Madison High School, IA
- Study Smart = Sleep Smart
Musical/Parody
- Ceinwyn DuPlessie, Grade 11
- Beth DuPlessie, teacher
- Homeschool, MA
- You Need Sleep
Animation/Anime
- Natalie-Jane Callo, Grade 11
- Megan Olson, teacher
- American High School, CA
- Stressed Without Sleep
Get more information about the AASM High School Video Contest, and view winning videos from previous years, by visiting the Sleep Education website.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country.
