Is your child sleep deprived? Hard to get out of bed?, Falling behind in school or just plain cranky? Although we all need enough sleep to function well during the day, it's most important for children especially to have enough sleep, because it's only during sleep that body produces growth hormones.
These hormones are essential for healthy child development.
Roughly one in three children is sleep deprived, an alarming statistic.
So is there anything us parents can do about it? There are several reasons children may not be getting the sleep they need.
We allknow the usual things that keep our kids awake at night.
Lack of exercise and sunshine, stress or anxiety or not having a good sleep routine in place.
There are also a few lesser known causes of sleep problems in children and we'll have a look at the main ones here.
Television and computers in the bedroom Computer games and television in the bedroom are among the most common reason your child isn't getting enough sleep! Playing computer games is both entertaining and stimulating.
If your child is using computers or the television to unwind before bed, they're probably keeping them awake.
Television can stimulate our children's minds so thatit's hard to relax, especially if it's a scary program, Noise and light Even dim light, can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Light prevents the brain from producing the hormone melatonin which induces sleep.
The bright, flickering television or computer screen prevents this essential sleep hormone from forming.
Fizzy drinks You wouldn't give your child a cup of coffee or tea in the evening, but how about a chocolate bar or a glass of cola at lunchtime? Caffeine is a notorious stimulant and most of us know not to drink coffee late at night.
But did you know caffeine can take 6-8 hours more to leave our bodies? That can of cola after school could be keeping your child awake long after his normal bedtime.
Child stress Is your child have always busy? School, homework, sports, coaching..
...
Children sometimes have trouble fitting everything in.
This can cause stress and can be a major cause of sleep problems in children as there is no time left at the end of the day to relax.
Obesity and childhood sleep apnea Overweight children can be prone to childhood sleep apnea which is a serious disease where the body doesn't get enough oxygen.
Childhood sleep apnea is a real risk for overweight children.
If you suspect sleep apnea could be affecting your child, seek medical attention fast.
Childhood nightmares Dreams are a necessary and natural way to process what happens in our lives, but does your child have nightmares or bad dreams? Kids who have nightmares regularly, sometimes resist the urge to sleep because they are afraid of scary dreams.
These are some of the reasons your child may be sleep deprived.
As you've probably figured out they also apply to us adults!
These hormones are essential for healthy child development.
Roughly one in three children is sleep deprived, an alarming statistic.
So is there anything us parents can do about it? There are several reasons children may not be getting the sleep they need.
We allknow the usual things that keep our kids awake at night.
Lack of exercise and sunshine, stress or anxiety or not having a good sleep routine in place.
There are also a few lesser known causes of sleep problems in children and we'll have a look at the main ones here.
Television and computers in the bedroom Computer games and television in the bedroom are among the most common reason your child isn't getting enough sleep! Playing computer games is both entertaining and stimulating.
If your child is using computers or the television to unwind before bed, they're probably keeping them awake.
Television can stimulate our children's minds so thatit's hard to relax, especially if it's a scary program, Noise and light Even dim light, can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Light prevents the brain from producing the hormone melatonin which induces sleep.
The bright, flickering television or computer screen prevents this essential sleep hormone from forming.
Fizzy drinks You wouldn't give your child a cup of coffee or tea in the evening, but how about a chocolate bar or a glass of cola at lunchtime? Caffeine is a notorious stimulant and most of us know not to drink coffee late at night.
But did you know caffeine can take 6-8 hours more to leave our bodies? That can of cola after school could be keeping your child awake long after his normal bedtime.
Child stress Is your child have always busy? School, homework, sports, coaching..
...
Children sometimes have trouble fitting everything in.
This can cause stress and can be a major cause of sleep problems in children as there is no time left at the end of the day to relax.
Obesity and childhood sleep apnea Overweight children can be prone to childhood sleep apnea which is a serious disease where the body doesn't get enough oxygen.
Childhood sleep apnea is a real risk for overweight children.
If you suspect sleep apnea could be affecting your child, seek medical attention fast.
Childhood nightmares Dreams are a necessary and natural way to process what happens in our lives, but does your child have nightmares or bad dreams? Kids who have nightmares regularly, sometimes resist the urge to sleep because they are afraid of scary dreams.
These are some of the reasons your child may be sleep deprived.
As you've probably figured out they also apply to us adults!
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