According to the researchers, sleep deprivation side effects are visible in children in just four days. Kids need nine to 12 hours of sleep until they are 12 years old, and infants require even longer. It is best to put children in bed early for their sleep cycle to complete.
Sleep is a very healthy recovery and natural healing for humans, and it is more necessary for children than adults.
Although it is challenging to put children to bed, you can always convince them with bedtime stories or get them cosy, cute kids’ beds.
Let’s find out why exactly kids need more sleep than adults.
What are the results of good sleep for kids?
Kids tend to fall sooner into the danger zone of sleep deprivation if they do not complete the hours. As a parent, you need to watch out for their sleep schedule and ensure they are getting enough rest.
Here are its benefits:
Promotes growth
In their growing year, children need sleep to have healthy growth. Researchers studying children with growth hormone deficiency have found that they sleep less. The growth hormone is secreted mainly during sleep, so babies and children need their rest the most.
Sleep helps to beat germs.
During sleep, the body produces a protein called cytokines that fights off germs and illness. That is why one feels sleepy and tired when one has the flu; it is only your body telling you to get rest and heal.
Kids are prone to falling sick; thus, the more they sleep, the more they can avoid illnesses.
Promotes attention span
This is humans’ most critical learning stage, so attention span is highly required. Sleep helps with attention span so children can concentrate in their early stages of development and learning.
Most children who are sleep deprived have a problem grasping school lessons, and this leads to lagging behind their peers. In contrast, proper sleep can promote a healthier mind and allow them to concentrate easily.
Promotes heart health
Sleep protects the kids from vascular damage due to the circulation of stress hormones. Children with sleeping disorders tend to have excessive brain arousal during their sleep, increasing that fight or flight response.
Their glucose level cortisol remains high, which can lead to early diabetes and weight gain resulting in heart diseases. While a good sleep cycle can keep all of these at bay.
Sleep affects weight
Children who sleep regularly on time are less likely to suffer from weight gain or unhealthy weight loss. It is usually difficult to gain weight for some kids who do not have a good sleep cycle; meanwhile, others become obese due to the rise in glucose in their blood.
Sleep is a natural remedy for humans in general, but children need their sleep more to have a healthy adult life. The key to a good sleep schedule lies in the hands of the parents, and it isn’t the easiest task because many children put up a fight before you can put them to bed.
Most activities promoting good sleep cycles are a shower before bedtime and early dinner by 7 to 8. You can also read them bedtime stories and lullabies or get them their favourite blanket and inviting little kids’ beds that will excite their bedtime.
