Importance of sleep routine for children

Proper sleep of 9+ hours in the night ensures that the child is well-rested, attentive and is sharp. Lack of sleep can make them cranky and distracted. Due to this, it is important to set a sleep routine for children very early on. It also ensures that the mother gets enough rest along with the child. A poorly-rested mother will not be able to give her best to the child and thus end up affecting the health of both.  

A child’s sleeping pattern and number of hours of sleep keeps changing as they grow up. A newborn (up to the age of one) requires 15-16 hours of sleep a day. It decreases for a toddler. From the age of one to three, they need 13-13 hours of sleep. Children between three to 12 require nine to 12 hours and for teenagers and adults, eight to nine hours will suffice.

Here are some benefits of a well-rested child, as listed by Indian Express:

Boosts attention

Complete sleep boosts the child attention-span and alertness. A well-slept child will be able to concentrate more than a child with less sleep. Proper sleep ensures a vigilant child and insufficient sleep makes the child cranky and irritated.

Encourages proper growth and development

Sleep is important for the growth hormone to be secreted in children. Well-rested and relaxed babies grow faster than those with less sleep. New mothers are advised to make sure that newborns spend most of their time sleeping.

Develop a proper routine and lifestyle

When it is dark outside, accustom your child to sleep that time. Their biological clock gets set to normal timings. Once out of the womb, they have a jet-lagged like sleep routine. With this practice, you ensure the start of a good lifestyle for your child in coming years.

Prevents germ infections and improves the heart

When the child is asleep, the body produces certain proteins or Cytokines. These help fights germs and viruses, therefore keeping infections at bay. Proper sleep also averts vascular impairment in children.