Nothing can beat the power of a good night’s sleep, whether for adults or children. For infants and young children, however, it is even more important as it plays an important role in brain development, as well as in all aspects of early growth and development. Sleep has been found to be a vital element and is a necessity for children to stay healthy, happy and energetic.
The results of not getting enough sleep
Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep wreaks havoc on your child’s normal daily functioning. You may notice that your child behaves cranky and cranky after less sleep, but that’s not all. In addition to behavioral changes, there are also other side effects that can be very detrimental in the long run.
• Lack of sleep can manifest itself as problems with attention, memory, learning, and behavior.
• In children, especially before 41 months, it can manifest as an increase in impulsive hyperactivity. Children may also show lower cognitive performance.
• Sleep deprivation can also affect metabolism. As a result, your child may develop cardiovascular disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
• It can also cause an energy imbalance by affecting levels of cortisol, ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and growth hormone. Some children also show emotional problems.
• For teens, it can lead to high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, drowsy driving, and suicidal behavior.
Symptoms of not getting enough sleep
• Your child wants to nap often during the day
• Your child yawns constantly
• Your child finds it hard to wake up in the morning
• Your child lacks motivation, interest and finds it difficult to concentrate and pay attention.
• After waking up, they want to go back to bed
• Missing out on fun activities with friends or family just to go to bed.
• There are complaints from teachers about your child feeling sleepy or yawning non-stop at school.
A good night’s sleep is a prerequisite
It is imperative that children, from babies to teenagers, get enough sleep every day. This also includes nap time in the. Families must work together to ensure that sleep becomes a priority.
The benefits of adequate sleep are endless. It keeps you more alert, active and relaxed. It can even affect temperament, personality, learning, and social behavior. Establishing a nightly routine for your child is important so that once their head hits the pillow, your child falls into a deep sleep and wakes up refreshed and energized in the morning.