Reasons, benefits, and importance of putting children to bed early
The later a child sleeps, the stranger their behavior may become, making it more challenging to put them to bed. Families should aim to put their children to sleep earlier. But what are the benefits of having a child sleep at 9 PM?
When parents consult a doctor and complain about their children not sleeping, the first thing that comes to the specialist’s mind is that the child is going to bed too late. Therefore, today we decided to introduce thebenefits of early bedtime for children.Healthier children
Children who go to bed early are often healthier emotionally, mentally, and physically. Studies show that 18-month-old children who sleep earlier perform better in movement, language, and social behavior. A lack of nighttime sleep can reduce a child’s mental abilities and lead to problems the next day.
There is also a direct relationship between improved sleep and emotional stability for children aged 7 to 11 years. Poor nighttime sleep negatively impacts their school performance. Research indicates that a lack of sleep at these ages usually results in lower grades.
Children who go to bed late tend to have poorer dietary habits as well. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) is higher compared to those who sleep earlier; they are heavier and have a 1.5 times greater likelihood of obesity and laziness.
Less waking during the night
Babies who go to bed early usually fall asleep quicker and do not wake up frequently during the night, leading to them feeling more refreshed in the morning. In contrast, children who go to bed late tend to become overly tired. Excessive fatigue raises adrenaline levels, resulting in discomfort and tiredness in the morning.
Better growth
Children who fall asleep early and have a proper and timely sleep experience better growth than their peers since growth hormones peak at 10 PM, midnight, and 2 AM. To foster better growth, children should be in REM sleep during these hours.
Less resistance to sleeping
When children go to bed late, they often resist going to sleep and display negative behavior. Poor nighttime sleep certainly increases children’s resistance to sleep and makes them irritable, while those who sleep early do not face these issues.
Higher productivity during the day
Children who go to bed before 9 PM are more productive and focused throughout the day. Adequate and timely sleep increases their concentration and productivity. Research has shown that the signs of
sleep deprivationand ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children, such as inattention and impulsive behavior, are quite similar!Quality time before bed
Children who go to bed early usually have enough space and time for activities they enjoy, as they feel refreshed during the day. Everything is in order, and as a result, their time becomes more meaningful, allowing them to use this high quality of life better.
Predictable sleep schedule
When you help your child get used to bedtime early, going to bed early becomes a habit for them, and you can predict their sleep time. This leads to more order in your life and your child’s life, making everything run on time.
Falling asleep faster
Going to bed earlier and having a regular sleep time helps children feel emotionally secure and enter a relaxing state because their bodies have a precise biological clock, allowing them to fall asleep faster and more easily. Studies have shown that children who sleep before 9 PM sleep an average of 78 minutes more than others.
Healthy sleeping habits
When children have a regular bedtime from the start, they are unlikely to face problems in the future. Healthy sleeping habits ensure that they maintain a steady sleep routine as they grow.
More sleep for children
Children who sleep early usually get more rest and do not wake up too early in the morning. This ensures their body gets sufficient sleep and the needed relaxation.
Waking up early usually occurs in children who went to bed late. This may seem illogical, but it is entirely biological. Children who sleep early do not wake up too early in the morning, maintaining a proper sleep schedule, while those who sleep late often wake up cranky and disturb those around them.
How to put your child to bed at 9 PM?
Two hours before your child’s bedtime, do not let them play with electronic devices like phones or tablets, as the blue light emitted by these devices makes it hard for them to fall asleep. If you remove electronic devices before bedtime, it promotes the release of melatonin (a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles) in the child’s body.
If you want your child to sleep earlier, you must model this behavior instead of forcing them to their bedroom while you watch TV loudly or talk on the phone. To help your child sleep earlier, go to their room and read their favorite book, or pretend that you are sleepy too.
Healthy child
