Sleeping Habits For Children: Why It Is Important And How To Develop A Sleep Routine In Children

People of all ages, particularly children (from infants and toddlers to school-aged kids), benefit greatly from sleep, and it is most important for their growth and development. The body and brain of a child actually need enough sleep. The brain processes and organizes all the information during sleep, and it even finds solutions to problems.

A child's ability to develop into a well-mannered and healthy human being depends on their ability to sleep.  parents should be aware of their child's sleep requirements to develop a good sleep routine for them.

This article discusses the importance of sleep and how to help children develop a regular sleep routine.

You can also read: Good Oral Habits To Children: How To Teach Good Oral Habits To children

Teaching Good Manners To Children: Why Teaching Good Manners Is So Important For Children

Daily Routine For Toddler: How To Set And Why Is Daily Routine So Important For Toddlers

Why Is Good Sleep Important For Children?

Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone, but for children, it is even more important for development. The following health benefits occur when children get enough sleep:

--> Promotes growth and development

--> Improving immunity

--> Supporting brain development

--> Maintaining a healthy weight

--> Improved concentration and memory

--> Helping with emotional control

Note: Children must get enough sleep to restore the energy lost during the day. In comparison to a tired brain, a well-rested brain keeps them fresh and happy throughout the day.

How Does Sleep Deprivation (Lack of Sleep) Affect Children?

The following negative effects are more likely to occur in children who do not get enough sleep:

--> Behavior problems

--> Poor concentration or academic performance

--> Unhealthy weight gain

--> Improper growth and development

--> Lack of social and communication problems

Note: In addition to the above-mentioned effects, children may also experience certain serious health problems.

What Are The Factors Interfering With Your Child's Sleep?

--> External sound

--> Illness (running nose, cold, fever, etc.,)

--> Temperature of the room

--> Discomfort in the bed, blanket, and bed sheet

--> Watching too much TV and playing video games

--> Not getting enough physical activity

How Many Hours A Day Do Children Need To Sleep?

Actually, a child's sleep needs vary depending on a number of personal factors. Some children sleep a lot, while others do not. Based on my personal experience, I have prepared the following chart to show how much sleep children need each day, including sleep during the day and sleep at night.

Age	Total Number Of Hours
0 - 3 months old	15 - 19 hours
4 - 12 months old	13 - 17 hours
1 - 2 year old	11 - 13 hours
3 - 5 year old	10 - 12 hours
6 - 12 year old	8 -  12 hours

 

How Can Parents Help Their Children In developing A Good Sleep Routine?

By following a few simple, healthy bedtime routines, you (as parents) can help your child's sleep. The following simple suggestions can help you put your children to bed without a fuss (fight) or a temper tantrum.

1. Develop a healthy, regular bedtime routine

Your child will know exactly when they are ready to fall asleep only if you stick to and follow the same bedtime routine every day, and their body will adapt to this sleep routine.

2. Relax or have fun before going to sleep

Help your child relax or have some fun by reading their favorite funny bedtime stories, singing songs or rhymes, or giving them tickles, hugs, and kisses before they go to sleep.

3. Change the settings in their room

Dim the lights or turn the lights out as they prepare to go to bed and play some soothing music to help them relax and sleep.

Note: Choose a warm, dim light if your child likes to sleep with the lights on.

4. Make sure your child is active all-day

Keeping them active all day causes them to burn all of their energy, leaving them tired. And when it is time for a nap or for a good night's sleep, they are completely ready to sleep.

5. Make your child feel safe

If your child suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night due to a bad, scary dream, try to console them that it is just a dream to help them relax.

Note: Avoid scary TV programs or movies before going to sleep. If they experience heavy bedtime stress, you can use bedtime lights to help them feel safe and go to sleep peacefully.

Parenting Tips

--> Dress your child for the weather, especially when it is time for bedtime

--> On a calendar, stick a star or happy face sticker each day when they go to sleep on a time. If they earn all the 30 or 31 stickers by the end of the month, reward them

--> Switch off the TV, laptop, or computer and avoid using a mobile at least 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime

--> Make your child's bed comfortable to sleep in  

--> Make sure there is no noise disturbing your child's sleep

Final Thought

In the end, remember one thing: children pay more attention to what we do than what we teach. In fact, you (as parents) are actually providing a positive example for your child. So, parents should consistently follow a good sleep routine to provide a good example for their children.