Guest Blog by Chia from Wellness with Chia.
Hello, I’m Chia, an integrative health practitioner and wellness expert. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Growbright to share insights on the critical role of sleep in children’s health and development. Growbright knows how essential quality sleep is for kids and babies, and Growbright’s range of sleep products is designed to support their well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore why sleep is crucial, how much sleep children need, the consequences of insufficient sleep, and practical tips for ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep.
Why Sleep is Crucial for Children
Sleep is a vital component of a child’s development. During sleep, the body recovers, rebuilds, and grows. This process is especially important for children whose bodies, brains, and nervous systems are developing rapidly. Adequate sleep supports the creation of new neural connections, improves brain health, and strengthens the body.
Recommended Sleep Duration by Age
Ensuring your child gets the right amount of sleep is key to their development. Here are the recommended sleep durations by age:
- Babies: Should be sleeping when they aren’t feeding. So most of the day. The more, the better.
- Toddlers: 12 hours each night with a 6 pm bedtime and 2 naps per day.
- Late Toddlers: 12 hours a night with a 45-minute nap during the day.
- School-aged children (up to age 12): 10-12 hours each night. Aim for closer to 12 for ideal rest and rejuvenation.
- Teenagers: 9-10 hours each night.
Consequences of Insufficient Sleep in Children
Lack of sleep can have a range of negative effects on children:
Brain Development
Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and learning. Sleep-deprived children may struggle to focus, retain information, and perform well academically. Before considering medication for focus issues, ensure your child is getting enough quality sleep.
Behavioural Issues
Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, hyperactivity, and difficulty managing emotions. In some cases, these symptoms can mimic ADHD.
Physical Health
Sleep is essential for growth and repair. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses. It can also contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
Mental Health
Insufficient sleep can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Good Sleep Hygiene Practices for Children
Creating good sleep habits is essential for ensuring your child gets the rest they need. Here are some tips:
Routine and Consistency
Children thrive on routine. Aim for a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, to regulate their internal body clock.
Bedtime Rituals
Create a calming pre-bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, reading stories, quiet snuggles, or listening to calming music.
Limit Screen Time
Turn off TVs, tablets, and phones at least an hour before bedtime to avoid blue light, which disrupts sleep.
Create a Calm Environment
Ensure the bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains if necessary. Beds should be for sleeping, not for playing or watching TV.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
Avoid sugary drinks and heavy meals close to bedtime. Encourage regular physical activity during the day but avoid vigorous exercise right before bed.
Relaxation Techniques
Teach children simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation if they have trouble calming down.
Addressing Sleep Issues in Children
If your child is still having trouble sleeping despite good sleep hygiene practices, consider the following:
Dietary Assessment
Check for food sensitivities, intolerances, and nutritional deficiencies.
Gut Health
Address issues like constipation, bloating, or reflux that may disrupt sleep.
Stress Management
Help children wind down and manage stress effectively.
Environmental Toxins
Evaluate exposure to heavy metals or mold that could be affecting sleep.
Possible Interventions
If necessary, consider these interventions:
Nutritional Supplements
Supplements like magnesium, melatonin (under a doctor’s guidance), or probiotics might be recommended to address deficiencies or support gut health.
Mind-Body Techniques
Techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or aromatherapy can help manage stress and promote relaxation before bed.
Bedwetting and Sleep Hygiene
While poor sleep hygiene can contribute to bedwetting, other factors can also play a role. Poor diet, food sensitivities, lifestyle and environmental factors, stress, lack of exercise and an imbalanced gut can all be contributing factors to bedwetting. It is important to discover the root cause for a better nights sleep.
Dealing with Night Wakings and Difficulty Falling Asleep
Address Basic Needs
Ensure the child is comfortable, not too hot or cold, and has an empty bladder.
Separation Anxiety
Use a nightlight or comfort object to ease fears. Consider if there have been any events during the day that have happened for your child, that might have some anxiety or fear. Discuss these in the day and provide reassurance.
Create a Consistent Routine
Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time throughout the entire week, and establish a calming bedtime ritual which works for your child.
Teach Self-Soothing
Gently return the child to bed if they wake up, avoiding attention or games.
Limit Naps
Ensure daytime naps are not too long and do not interfere with nighttime sleep. If they are, then consider shortening the daytime naps.
Importance of Melatonin
Melatonin, the sleep hormone, increases in the evening to prepare us for sleep, while cortisol, the stress hormone, should be lowest at this time. High cortisol levels due to stress can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Including tryptophan-rich foods in the diet, such as chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and oatmeal, can support melatonin production and improve sleep quality.
Growbright are committed to helping you and your children achieve the best possible sleep. Explore the range of sleep products designed specifically for kids and babies, and let us support your family’s journey to better sleep health. For more tips and product information, visit our website and start your journey to a brighter, well-rested tomorrow. If you want to discuss your personal situation and receive some personalised guidance for you or your little ones, please reach out to Chia on Instagram @wellnesswithchia or visit her website at www.wellnesswithchia.co.nz.