Why Lack of Sleep Can be Deadly to Children’s
Health in the Long Run
Shivaaneey Rai
We’ve heard scientists, psychologists and doctors blabbering about why it’s so important that everyone gets a good night’s sleep everyday. This is especially true for children. Since in your growing years, your body and mind need proper sleep to be able to function well. Children, especially within the ages of 4-16 years, are at their peak of growth. Sufficient, healthy diets, sleep and exercise helps the body and mind to develop to its full potential.
Sleep is important because it enables and rests the body for daily activities. If your body isn’t rested enough, the same effect is shown on the mind as well. Even if you’re thinking you’re getting a lot of things done by not sleeping, I'm sure you can get a lot more done by resting yourself enough.
Now, I get it, kids have busy days with school, extra classes, studies, friends, social media, other work etc. And because of all this, these days children don’t get enough sleep. They may be studying too long during the night consistently, they may be on the phone too long late at night, they may simply have a sleeping problem. They may have mentally intrusive thoughts that make them unable to sleep good etc.
We should keep in mind, the above patterns, when repeated consistently over a period of time, eventually become a habit that’s hard to overcome. Habits like these lead to high blood pressure, exposes them to greater risks of cardiac problems, obesity and even depression.
However, on the other hand, studies have proven that children who do get enough sleep experience improved memory retention, increased attention span, improved behaviour, ease learning and grasping new concepts etc. they also have better health. On an estimation, a minimum of 6 hours of sleep and a maximum of 8 hours of sleep is necessary for children.
Your brain, as an adult, needs sleep. Literally. For children, the sleeping\resting time is even more needed. Some scientists think the brain sorts through information, solves problems and exchanges chemicals while you’re switched off. Your left brain and right brain communicate while you’re asleep. This communication is often really necessary. Even among adults.
However, there's a recommended amount of sleep every child should get. Like-
Infants under 1 year: 12-16 hours a day
Children 1-2 yrs old: 11-14 hrs
Children 3-5 yrs: 10-11yrs
Children 6-12 yrs: 9-12 hrs
Teenagers 13-18 yrs old: 8-10hrs
Here’s how you can help your kid get better sleep:
Set some strict bedtime rules and regulations. Typically, the time between 10pm to 11pm is ideal for sleeping for children. Setting a solid bedtime helps them plan out their routine and activities accordingly while getting enough sleep.
Make them stop using electronics\phone before sleeping. It’s recommended that children stay off the phone for at least 30 mins before they go off to sleep
Limit their caffeine
Dim the lights
Make them take a warm bath
Relaxing activities\scents before going to sleep help immensely. Like, lavender scented candles etc.
If they’re having troubles with sleeping, consult a psychiatrist or a doctor.
Make them eat lighter foods before sleeping.
Finally, we must remember that even though the world is fast-pacing, we all have to slow down. And if we don’t slow down enough, the body will take it out on us later down the line.l to prevent that, it’s important that parents make sure their child is getting enough sleep and exercise. Although, I'm sure they all try their best.