Sleep September 6, 2018

Why must your child get at least 10 hours of sleep?

We have all experienced insomnia at some time or the other. We all know how awful that heavy, groggy feeling can be. It reduces our ability to focus and kills our attention span.

If lack of sleep can be this bad for adults, imagine the detrimental effects it can have on your child. Your child needs at least 10 hours of sleep every night. Let’s understand why.

1. Benefits of a good snooze

A good night’s sleep is imperative for the mental and physical growth of your child. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get up to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health.

These benefits subsequently lead to fewer behavioral problems, better performance in school, and even weight loss.

2. Why inadequate sleep is bad

Getting a sound sleep can have specific benefits, and your child should sleep for at least 10 hours every night to avoid the consequences of not doing so. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a plethora of health issues. Studies have shown that most kids who suffer from childhood obesity are those who don’t get enough REM sleep.

According to Dr Jeffrey Durmer, a US-based sleep specialist and researcher, sleep disorders in children can cause excessive brain arousal while they are dozing; triggering a fight-or-flight response several times every night. This, in turn, can keep their blood glucose and cortisol levels elevated.

These factors can contribute to obesity and even cause damage to the vascular tissue, leading to heart diseases. Yes, inadequate sleep has been known to cause heart problems and it can even lead to depression!

The list of detrimental effects is not limited to these but it should be enough to make you warrant a good night’s sleep for your child.

3. Things to keep in mind 

There are a couple of things that can ensure a good night’s sleep. First, get a comfortable bed for your child. Ensure that he or she doesn’t fall asleep on the couch or the floor. Create a solid routine and make sure your kid sticks to it. With time, their body will get accustomed to the routine, and they will start going to bed on their own.

You will also need to keep the kid comfortable during sleep, so they don’t wake up. To ensure this, keep the room air-conditioned at a moderate temperature. The sheets and bedding should be soft, clean, and comfortable.

4. Things to watch out for

Mosquitoes are the villains here; they can not only disrupt sleep but also cause deadly diseases. Plug in a trusted mosquito repellent such as the new Goodknight Gold Flash System to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Ensure your child gets proper, uninterrupted sleep each night. After all, their growth and development will depend on how well-rested they are.