No matter how old or young you are, every human being needs a good night of sleep. It can be hard to get a good night’s sleep when you have a busy schedule. What about your children? Is it possible for your children to get more or less sleep and still stay healthy? How much sleep are children supposed to get? Let’s look at the importance of restful sleep for kids.
Importance of Restful Sleep for Kids
The importance of restful sleep for kids cannot go understated. It is just as important for children to get a good amount of sleep as it is for adults since sleep deprivation can lead to a lifetime of physical and mental health struggles. Below, we will talk more about sleep and pediatric health. Get in touch with your trusted sleep doctor in New York City if you or your little one are dealing with major sleep problems.
Why Do My Kids Need a Good Night’s Sleep?
A healthy lifestyle includes sleep as an integral part of every person’s daily routine. Research has shown that children who get enough sleep are more attentive, better at learning, have better attention, and have better mental and physical health. Insufficient sleep can cause high blood pressure, obesity, and depression.
How Much Sleep Does My Child Need?
Your child’s age will dictate how much sleep they need on a daily basis. On average, infants less than one-month-old will usually sleep between 15-18 hours per night, in 1-2 hour intervals. Your child will begin to adapt to the daily cycle of day and night by 6-8 weeks. They can sleep for up to six hours and should be sleeping 15 hours total.
Children aged 1-3 years should get 14 hours of sleep each night, which is a mixture of long naps and bedtime. Children should get between 10-12 hours of sleep per night by age 6. As they become teenagers and preteens, children may sleep 8-10 hours per night. Remember that these are just averages. You should still determine how much sleep your child requires to feel rested.
Tips to Help Your Child Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Both you and your child can benefit from a review of your sleep routines and bedtimes. You can share these habits with your child.
- Before you go to bed, turn off all screens for at least 30 minutes.
- You should ensure that you get at least 10 hours of sleep each night by setting a bedtime and a sleep schedule.
- Make sure you hold each other responsible for ensuring that healthy sleep is prioritized.
- You can help your child develop a habit of getting up at regular times.
- You can invest in activities that calm the mind before you go to bed.
You may have reached an age when your child is no longer dependent on you to keep them on top of their sleeping schedule at night. They may not sleep well for hours at a time. If they take many naps during the day, or if they go to bed early on weekends, they likely have a sleep deprivation problem. To help your child have a more restful sleep, you should make an appointment with a local sleep specialist.
Get Your Kid’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track ASAP!
You might consider scheduling a consultation with our sleep specialist if you are concerned that your child isn’t getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep in young children can lead to a number of conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, and insomnia. The earlier these problems are found and diagnosed, the easier it will be to set up a healthy routine for your child as they grow. Learn more about pediatric sleep disorders in NYC and the best pediatric treatments for sleep problems today.
