As another new school year approaches, parents are
frantically trying to get their children ready. Summer break usually causes
family routines to not run on schedule. Long summer days, vacations, and trips
to the water parks are just a few reasons why children stay up later than
normal. Getting children adjusted back to their school day sleep routine will
be a tough task, but it needs to be done in order for children to be ready and
excel in school.
Sleep plays a vital role for healthy growth and development
in young children. According to a study done by the Sleep
Disorders Center
in Montreal, Canada, children who had shortened
sleep duration were associated with hyperactivity-impulsivity and lower
cognitive performance. Children, especially between the ages of two and six
years old, must be given at least 10 hours of sleep per night. The study
suggests not getting enough sleep during these years may cause consequences
throughout life.
Another factor to think about before putting your child to
bed is the amount of time spent in front of a television or computer. Research at the Seattle Children’s Research
Institute found that violent content on the TV or computer during the day disrupts
sleep for preschool children, and any content, violent or not, in the evening
is associated with negative impact on sleep for children ages three to five
years old. Children who watch cartoons and other material meant for slightly
older children may have a negative effect on their sleep.
To help your children sleep, set up good sleep habits. Create a bedtime routine and try to start
earlier in the evening to ensure at least 10 hours of sleep. Reduce or eliminate media use before bedtime.
Make a rule that there will be no TV, computer or other electronic devices after
a certain hour. If possible, keep electronic devices in a common area, outside the
child’s bedroom. Forming good sleep habits will ensure a child’s wellness
throughout the school year.
Read more:
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment