REM Sleep Labs Blog
Date posted: january 12, 2012 03:15pm
Adults can be cranky when they do not get enough sleep at night; anxiety over work duties and daily pressures can make for very restless nights, now research has shown that, like adults, young children face similar instances when they do not get enough rest. Children require much more sleep than adults for their moods and developmental growth; when naps are missed during the day, it can equate to an adult pulling an “all-nighter”.
Children who lacked proper sleep showed listlessness and an increased level of anxiety during a recent study. The experiment followed children who slept normally and those who were deprived of sleep, both subjects were observed during problem solving exercises, the results showed those with more rest were able to execute the tasks more easily than the subjects of the sleepy group.
Monique LeBourgeois and her team followed eleven children in their research; they observed the children’s facial expression to determine mood and attitude during the puzzle solving exercise. Those with adequate sleep appeared to be less anxious or confused by an unsolvable puzzle than those subjects that were sleep deprived.
For proper growth and brain development of babies and toddlers, a lot of sleep is required; on average, twelve to fourteen hours per day of shut eye is normal for children between the ages of one to three. If you notice that your child is not sleeping comfortably or is having difficulty falling asleep, it is important to address the reasons why; an Orange County sleep center may be able to diagnose if a child has a disorder that is preventing them from achieving productive sleep.
Many things can factor into a child not receiving enough rest, setting a schedule makes life easier on the parents and the child. It is vital to prepare a routine for small children to establish good bedtime and napping habits. Always set aside a particular time of the day for your child’s “nap time”; this establishes a pattern which makes it easier for the child to learn to become more tired around this time. Try to make the sleep environment a stimulant free zone, a cool and quiet space makes slumber easier for children to achieve.
Another method to help ease children into sleep is exercise; make sure an hour of activity is set aside to play. Food plays a big role, limit sugary options or caffeinated beverages especially around bedtime.
Children’s brains continue to grow and develop all throughout their adolescence, recognizing a problem with sleep early on is crucial for a child’s success and productiveness. Some doctors may be dismissive about children’s lack of sleeping at night, thinking they will outgrow it, but oftentimes early problems sleeping lead to the same problems later in childhood. It is important to recognize if a child seems overly tired during the day or has difficulty taking naps. Consult an Orange County sleep center for more tips on how to get a child better rest at night.
