The benefits of sleep for children, the recommended amount for each age, and the symptoms of lack of sleep

 

Sleep promotes brain function and mental health in children.  Thus if the child does not get enough sleep every night.  This will affect his growth and performance in various aspects.

 Lack of sleep causes stress, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and difficulty learning.  Over time, it causes depression and anxiety.

 The number of hours of sleep required varies with different ages.  And every child is different.  So you will discover with time, what suits your child.

 If, for some reason, there is a defect in your child's sleep schedule.  Try to return to a healthy sleep regime or establish healthy sleep habits for your child as soon as possible.

 If you think your baby has sleep disturbances.  It is advised to consult a doctor.

 Sleep is a very essential part of your child's mental and physical development.  Because it allows your child to rest and recover.

 There are several things you can do to help your baby get an adequate and healthy amount of sleep as possible.

 Benefits of sleep and its effect on mental health:

 A baby's brain needs sleep, to store information and things it learned during the day.  In addition, when the brain gets enough sleep, it can solve problems, gain new information and enjoy the day better, compared to a tired brain that did not get the necessary rest.

 Some areas of the brain become more active during sleep.

 A child who gets an adequate amount of good sleep at night is characterized by:

 More creative. Can focus on tasks for a longer period of time. Has better ability to solve problems. Has better ability to make positive decisions. Has greater ability to learn and recover new things. Has more energy during the day. Can build and maintain good relationships with others  .

 What are the signs and symptoms that your child is not getting enough sleep?

 Not getting an adequate amount of sleep every night leads to negative effects for the child. These effects may not be compensated for later by getting a better sleep the following night.

 With the passage of time, the child does not get enough sleep each night.  It leads to symptoms and changes in the child's behavior, mind, and feelings.

 Physical symptoms:

 Difficulty waking him up in the morning Sleeping again after waking up in the morning.  The need to wake him up again and frequently. Yawning frequently during the day. Constant complaint, feeling tired and wanting to take a nap during the day. Preferring to lie down during the day.  Even if this leads to a loss of activities with friends and family. Sleeping at school or feeling sleepy most of the time and during homework. The desire to consume stimulant foods and drinks such as sugars or stimulants. Weak body immunity and get sick most of the time.

 Mental or cognitive effects of poor sleep:

 Lack of fun, enthusiasm and attention in performing daily tasks forgetfulness and difficulty acquiring new skills Blurred vision.

 Emotional effects of lack of sleep:

 Mood swings and nervousness, increased stress during the day, increased impulsivity.

 Not getting enough sleep for several nights in a row, causes your child to feel mentally exhausted.  It may also make the situation worse for any existing disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder.

 How much sleep does my child need?

 A child's biological clock is a 24-hour cycle.  It is she who makes your child feel the desire to sleep.  This biological clock is affected by the age of your child.  As your baby gets older, his need for sleep decreases.

 The Canadian Pediatric Association produced a general guide explaining the amount of sleep a child needs at every age, including napping at noon.

 Age Recommended amount of sleep Newborns 0-2 months 16-18 hours a day (3-4 hours at a time) Infants 2-6 months 14-16 hours Children older than (6 months - 1 year) 14 hours From age 1  -3 years 10-13 hours From 3-5 years 10-12 hours From 5-10 years 10-12 hours

 The National Sleep Foundation provides guidelines for older children and teens:

 From the age of 6-13 years 9-11 hours From the age of 14-18 years 8-10 hours

 The recommended amount mentioned is for comparison reference.  But every child is a different case.

 In addition, sometimes the child may need a little more sleep than the mentioned amount.  At the same time, some children may feel more sleepy, even though they are getting a little less than the recommended amount.

 Watch your baby for symptoms of lack of sleep.  To know the nature of your child and how much sleep he needs every night.  And adjust his sleep schedule and daily regimen in proportion to his age and the nature of his body.

 How to respond to changes in your baby's sleep routine:

 It is normal for some times to pass when the baby sleeps in the normal position.  For example, while on vacation or on special occasions.

 Going to bed a little later than usual is okay, every once in a while.  But it is necessary to quickly return to healthy sleep dates and your child's regular routine as soon as possible.  It is their best chance to rest and recover.

 It should be noted that some children may have a reason to wake up during the night.  For example, when you feel thirsty, need to go to the bathroom, or when you get wet, or if you see a nightmare or walk at night.

 If you are concerned about how often your child wakes during the night, or has trouble sleeping or snoring, for example, it is recommended that you consult your family doctor.