Newer New Jersey Teachers Personal Nutrition, Physical Health, and Sleep Hygiene Habits During COVID-19 Impacted School Years

Background: New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJSS) provides work-based learning (WBL) trainings to certified teachers who supervise students in school-sponsored work placements. Some newer teachers shared existing and adopted new physical health habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Surveys were provided to teachers who completed NJSS WBL supervisory trainings between October 2021-June 2022, with a follow-up survey Fall 2022. This study focused on a subset of questions on teachers’ self-reported behavioral habits regarding processed food/snack consumption, aerobic exercise, and sleep health. Results: Of 114 teachers, approximately 3-in-5 (62.1%) woke up during the night and 1-in-3 (36.8%) found difficulty waking up in the morning on a school/workday; 1-in-10 (10.5%) sleep less than five hours per night. Regarding personal nutrition, 1-in-3 participants (37%) processed snacks/foods daily. Concerning physical health, 2-in-5 participants (43.8%) decreased aerobic exercise habits during the initial survey but increased at follow-up. Conclusion: Data suggest NJ teachers adapted personal nutrition, sleep, and aerobic exercise habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data offers guidance to help schools better address teacher needs, including healthy eating, wellness, and physical activity. Keywords: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Safety, Secondary Schools, Sleep, Teachers