The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is no less important than food, drink, or safety in the lives of children. Although this may seem apparent, many of us actually do not allow our children to get the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly.

Healthy sleep requires:

• A sufficient amount of sleep
• Uninterrupted (good quality) sleep
• The proper number of age-appropriate naps
• A sleep schedule that is in sync with the child's natural biological rhythms (internal clock or circadian rhythm)

Following are some observations from various studies illustrating some of the difficulties faced and the behavioral changes in children with sleep problems (from Wiessbluth's Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and On Becoming Baby Wise, by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, MD):

• Children do not "outgrow" sleep problems; problems must be solved.
• Children who sleep longer during the day have longer attention spans.
• Babies who sleep less in the daytime appear more fitful and socially demanding, and they are less able to entertain or amuse themselves.
• Toddlers who sleep more are more fun to be around, more sociable, and less demanding. Children who sleep less can behave somewhat like hyperactive children.
• Small but constant deficits in sleep over time tend to have escalating and perhaps long-term effects on brain function.
• Children with higher IQs -- in every age group studied -- slept longer.
• For ADHD children, improvements in sleep dramatically improved peer relations and classroom performance.
• Healthy sleep positively affects neurologic development and appears to be the right medicine for the prevention of many learning and behavioral problems.

Find more information here.