Research done by the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) has shown that there is a connection between late sleep times of students in higher grades with increasing absenteeism.

IUM Assistant Professor and Dean of the Center for Research and Publication Dr. Aminath Shafiya expressed her concerns regarding the research while giving a speech as the honored guest for the prize giving ceremony held at the Dhaal Atoll Education Center (DhAEC) last Thursday.

She stated that the research into the increase in students missing school was compiled by interviewing students in the 9th and 10th grade.

"What time do you think students in the 9th and 10th grade sleep? Think about it and tell me. They are sleeping at 1:30am, 2:30am, 3:30am and 4:00am. I am not talking about adults. These are children your age," said Shafiya.

According to her, students are unable to go to school due to reasons such as stomach issues in the morning, mood issues and headaches caused by late sleep times.

The research has shown that due to a lack of sleep, students tend to sleep in class, attendance drops, students experience dissatisfaction towards teachers and experience difficulties in doing their homework as well, as was said by Shafiya.

She went on to say that the research built upon the information gathered by looking into some schools in Male', some schools in certain areas in Kaafu Atoll, and some schools in Alif Alif Atoll and Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

Shafiya did not provide any additional details regarding the research done by the university. 

During her speech, Shafiya spoke on what a student needs to do and what must not be done to become a successful one. She also advised them to make use of their intelligence and learn from the wisdom of the Prophet's instructions.

Shafiya described the B in "Kaamiyaabu" (success) as wisdom and that their research has shown that students have not been making use of their own wisdom.