The relation between sleep and your child's development

The human body is a unique machine that needs adequate rest on a daily basis, if it has to function optimally. And sleep is the "resting phase" or "resting cycle" of the body. Your toddler especially needs sufficient sleep in a day, to stay sharp and healthy at a physical and mental level. The benefits of sleep for children are many, in terms of healthy weight gain, better focus and pleasant temperament. And a lack of it can lead to depression, obesity, as well as high blood pressure in the future. Hence, this article elaborates on how sleep impacts your child’s development, the ill-effects of not sleeping enough, and ways in which you can encourage your little one to get undisturbed rest.

The importance of sleep for a child’s development

Sleep is the primary activity of a child's brain during the early phase of development. The length or duration of sleep should be sufficient enough for the optimal growth of your child. The quality of sleep is also important. For instance, uninterrupted sleep is essential for the growth and development of the nervous system. Frequent naps can also help in promoting alertness.

So, if your child indulges in short naps, you must account for these when you calculate the total number of hours he or she sleeps. Oftentimes, your child's sleep patterns may vary ─ children tend to sleep for longer hours on weekends or on holidays. You should not be worried about this, as this is normal. However, if your toddler seems excessively lethargic even after getting adequate sleep, you need to consult a paediatrician, as it might indicate an underlying condition.

Benefits of sleep for a child

• Better physical fitness and growth
• More sociable behavioural patterns accompanied by less hyperactivity
• Better concentration skills and longer attention spans
• Better neurological development
• Greater cognitive and learning abilities
• Better functional development of the brain, which can lead to better IQ
• Better classroom performance and academic achievement
• Better peer relations
• Enhanced energy intake as a result of increased appetite

Effects of lack of sleep on child development

Remember, inadequate sleep can have harmful effects on your little one. It can cause:

• Sleepiness or drowsiness throughout the day
• Lack of energy and dizziness
• General fatigue and tiredness
• Mood swings and irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of concentration
• Impaired learning abilities
• Impaired physical fitness

However, excessive sleep might be harmful too, and therefore, maintaining a proper sleep cycle is important.

Do babies gain weight while sleeping?

Does sleeping help babies gain weight? This is a common question raised by many mothers. Now, studies have established a direct link between impaired sleeping habits and the development of childhood obesity. Poor sleeping habits might include sleeping for a prolonged period of time, sleeping more frequently than usually required, and impaired rhythmic cycles of sleep and wakefulness.

It has been observed that children who sleep for longer hours than usual tend to spend more time before the television. And thereby, they indulge in fewer physical activities than what is required for their age, making them gain weight and become obese. This is more pronounced when parents themselves are obese or if there is a family history of obesity.

Childhood obesity and sleep are hence related. Usually, childhood obesity, resulting from improper sleep habits, is a precursor to obesity during adulthood as well. So, while it is important that your child sleeps adequately, you must also ensure that he or she does not sleep too much. Thus, regulation of sleep is essential for the prevention and management of obesity.

Tips to get your child to bed

You can adopt the following measures to ensure that your child develops good sleeping habits.

• Prioritize sleep: Make adequate sleep a priority in the family and be a role model as a parent, so that your children can emulate your example.
• Make it a routine: Maintain a regular routine for waking times, meal times, nap times and playtimes.
• Encourage activity: Ensure adequate nutrition, physical activity, and recreation, during the day, to stimulate and maintain your child's interest and alertness. This way, he or she will also feel tired enough to go to sleep at night.
• Reduce the time spent on gadgets: Monitor your child's screen time and promptly switch off all electronic gadgets at least an hour before going to bed.
• Create the environment: Create a sleep-supportive environment by using dim lights, soft blankets, appropriate room temperature, and ventilation.
• Avoid stimulants: Avoid giving your child solid foods and caffeinated drinks just before he or she goes to sleep.
• Schedule work: Schedule your child's homework and study time so that it does not interfere with his or her sleep time.

So, it is easy to see, how the right amount of sleep is crucial for your child’s overall wellbeing and growth. Keep the above tips in mind to ensure a healthy sleep cycle and consult a doctor if you feel that your child is not sleeping enough or sleeping more than usual.

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