As the winter term settles in and daylight hours shorten, many boarding houses notice a familiar pattern: girls begin to feel the seasonal shift in their overall wellbeing. Colder temperatures, increased academic pressure and darker evenings can all influence how students experience their menstrual cycle. For some, this time of year brings intensified cramps, heightened emotions or disrupted sleep—challenges that can quietly affect confidence, concentration and comfort in a boarding environment.
Understanding these seasonal changes is an important part of pastoral care. Reduced sunlight can affect sleep quality and mood, while colder temperatures may exacerbate period-related discomfort. Combined with busy school routines, these factors can leave some students feeling overwhelmed or anxious, particularly overnight. Menstrual worries can be difficult for young people to raise, and many girls may hesitate to ask for support even when they need it.
This is where simple, thoughtful adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Many boarding schools are now adopting the La Suzy reusable period bed mat as part of their wellbeing toolkit. Soft, breathable and designed to stay securely in place, the mat offers quiet reassurance for students who may feel nervous about heavier-flow nights or unpredictable early cycles (avoiding messy sheets). Developed by Pam—both a chemical engineer and a mum—the mat was inspired by the real concerns many girls experience around nighttime leaks, which often feel more daunting during the winter months.
Schools using the mat report that it particularly helps girls who value privacy. Pastoral teams note that students appreciate having a discreet, reliable option available without needing to initiate a difficult conversation. The additional sense of security can also support better rest, especially during busy academic periods or after evening activities.
Supporting girls through winter also means encouraging simple routines that protect comfort and wellbeing—warm evening wind-downs, access to heat packs, hydration, and open conversations around menstrual health. Gentle reminders to track their cycles or prepare for heavier nights can help students feel more confident and in control.
By combining compassionate care with practical solutions like the La Suzy mat, schools can help students feel more settled, more supported and better able to focus on learning throughout the winter term.
Visit www.lasuzy.co.uk to find out more. Shop now on Amazon: https://rb.gy/3zhl4c. Bulk discounts for wholesale school orders. La Suzy is working with schools and youth organisations to supply mats at reduced rates.
Categories: News