The Importance of Sleep in Children

I have not been sleeping very well recently as there is so much going on in my mind. Dropping off is not a problem but I find it difficult go back to sleep when I wake in the night. I have started writing down my thoughts when I do wake so that at least my head is clear and I can drop off more easily. However, I suffer during the day. Despite being tired I am focused and able to function but I tend to eat more – more sugar and need countless cups of tea to pull me though.

Children are not so good at functioning on little sleep. Lack of sleep can have an impact on their concentration, behaviour and their school work. As their energy levels are lower sleep-deprived children can be irritable and behave badly. Children can also complain that they are hungry when they are tired and eat a lot more which is not good for them either.

Children need sleep to recharge their energy, rest their brain from absorbing new information and relax. They need to be away from all stimulants including technology so they can rest their bodies and be still.

How do you help your child sleep well and what do you do when you recognise your child has not had a good night’s sleep?

10 Comments for this entry

• 

  Mummy Whisperer

  December 16th, 2011 on 9:41 am

  Totally agree with you, I do find it shocking that some Mums really don’t get this.

  With my son (6yrs) we count the things that he can be grateful for in the day, to get him to reflect on the day and settle down before going to sleep. But he has found it more difficult recently – overtired from school I think (which we are also looking to change) – so we are using an iPhone app from Andrew Johnson to help him get to sleep. It’s brilliant, and also ends up being a bit of a placebo eventually, because you expect to fall asleep easily when you hear his gorgeous scottish lilt.
• 

  Naomi

  December 16th, 2011 on 3:23 pm

  He sounds perfect. I listened to a meditation CD recently and that was that. Fast asleep in seconds. I think we all need to relax and unwind – life can be fast and slowing down can actually benefit us and our well-being. Thank you Lisa for your comment.
• 

  Alexis@TroublesomeTots

  December 16th, 2011 on 5:55 pm

  All of the research points to the same thing: most US kids are chronically sleep deprived (I’m guessing this is pretty universally true but I only know of studies targeting US kids). Ever read The Lost Hour of Sleep (NurtureShock)? Also available online – brilliant read.
• 

  Kane Press

  December 16th, 2011 on 5:59 pm

  Great post! We did a Science Solves It! book on kids sleep (The Midnight Kid – http://www.kanepress.com/ssi-midnight.html ), and it was *seriously* shocking to learn just how much sleep kids actually need. 10-11 hours for five- to twelve-year-olds? Yowza. (Sure sounds nice, though, doesn’t it?) In any case, we just wanted to share that the National Sleep Foundation (sleepfoundation.org) is a terrific resource…for sleepy kids and adults alike! And now back to the coffee…!
• 

  Naomi Richards

  December 17th, 2011 on 7:25 pm

  Thank you for the compliment on the post. Sleep deprivation for parents is awful but even more so when their kids are not getting enough. Thank you for sharing your resources and enjoy your coffee!!
• 

  Naomi Richards

  December 17th, 2011 on 7:30 pm

  I imagine there are many children sleep deprived and some of them will be because they find it difficult to sleep, difficult to stay asleep or it may be that their parents do not recognise the importance of sleep and so they go to bed late. We all need sleep and if our children have sleep issues we need to help solve them. Thank you for the comment Alexis.
• 

  Adoptive Mummy

  December 22nd, 2011 on 8:28 pm

  I could write a book on what we’ve been thru’ regarding sleep! My daughter still needs 10-12 hours sleep or else her behaviour deteriorates greatly the next day. She has major issues falling asleep due to anxiety & past life experiences. So… we keep a rigid routine at bedtime, close all curtains after our evening meal, dim the lights, no colas or anything high in sugar, no overstimulating tv, hot milk, a nice story, a hot water bottle… We use Andrew Johnson app or Relax Kids CD when necessary. We also now have Melatonin prescribed by a paediatrician as her problems are so difficult.
  Her sleep is our priority above homework and nights out. If she sleeps well, she is happy and so we are all happy!
• 

  Naomi Richards

  December 22nd, 2011 on 10:07 pm

  Wow it sounds like she has really suffered. I feel for you and her. It is great that you now know what works best when it comes to her night-time routine. I don’t think all children are the same. Mine get 11 hours and ask to go to bed when they are tired. Their routine is pretty much the same every night and I think that helps them relax and drop off. Thank you for sharing your story.
• 

  Gunanand Bant

  December 26th, 2011 on 1:36 pm

  I have experienced this lack of sleep. It makes kids tired and also lack of concentration and irritating behaviour. It is better to teach them yoga and meditation to overcome this problem.
• 

  Naomi Richards

  January 3rd, 2012 on 8:58 pm

  Yes both can be really useful in helping children relax and sleep well. It is also very tiring for parents when they are trying to get the cooperation of their child when they are tired and in not such a great mood. Sleep helps everyone get on better. Thank you for your comment Gunanand.

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