Sleep sets the foundation for a child's growth, development, learning and emotional well-being.
The beginning of the school year can be an emotional time.
As parents and caregivers, we often focus on the importance of nutritious meals and getting enough exercise. But we sometimes overlook or undervalue the critical role of sleep.
Sleep isn't just a nightly ritual. It sets the foundation for a child's growth and development, learning and emotional well-being. Not getting enough of it can set a child up for a whole host of challenges. It can also significantly impact their quality of life.
Here, we'll explore the importance of adequate sleep for children and the potential risks of not getting enough. We'll also review the recommended amount of sleep based on age and provide practical tips you can use to ensure your little ones get the rest they need to thrive.
Many factors can impact a child's sleep, including busy schedules, anxiety over friendships or school, overstimulation from electronic devices and even the lighting in their bedroom.
Children who don't get enough sleep can be at risk for:
Research has also shown that children and teens who don't get the recommended sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is because how much sleep they get can significantly affect their hormones. Too little sleep increases the hormone that makes them feel hungry, which can negatively impact their appetite and weight.
The amount of sleep your child needs will change as they get older. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is an excellent resource for understanding how much sleep your child needs based on age.
AASM sleep recommendations by age per 24-hour period:
These numbers represent actual hours of quality sleep. On average, it may take anywhere from five to 30 minutes for your child to fall asleep, so it's important to plan accordingly. When figuring out what time your child needs to go to bed, a good rule of thumb is to count backward from when they need to wake up.
Incorporating these tried-and-true tips and tricks into your child's bedtime routine can help set them up for a restful night's sleep.
Establishing good sleep patterns in childhood is essential for children as they grow and develop into healthy adults. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's sleep, be sure to talk to their pediatrician. We're here to help.
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