Late Sleeping in ChildrenA common sleep disorder in kids
People need different amounts of sleep at different ages. For example, children need more sleep than adults. A 4-year-old should sleep about 11.5 hours, while an 11-year-old needs around 9 hours.
Some children have many sleep problems and struggle to fall asleep early at night.InsomniaThis sleep trouble can cause younger children to be whiny and difficult, while older kids may feel more tired and struggle to learn in school.
Parent’s concerns about their children’s late sleep
Therefore, it is best to implement the solutions provided in this section ofSelMagzas sleep is as essential for children as nutrition.
There are questions regarding children’s sleep problems that can help you figure out how to address your child’s issues. These questions include:
1- Does your child go to bed at a specific time?
2- Does your child’s bed have the right conditions for good sleep, like a good mattress? Is their sleeping environment ideal in terms of temperature and light?
3- Do your children’s sleeping areas overlap, causing them to disturb each other’s sleep?
4- Do daily issues, such as excitement, fights, thrilling movies, or sibling birthdays, affect their thoughts and sleep at night?
5- Do loud noises disrupt your child’s sleep?
6- Does your child want to stay awake with guests?
7- Is your child afraid of being alone in their bedroom?
Effects of Late Sleeping in Children
Make sure your children are getting enough sleep, as it is crucial for their overall growth. Quality sleep is just as important as good nutrition for their development. Although this may seem obvious, many people overlook children’s sleep schedules and how late they go to bed.
Our modern lifestyle has significantly impacted this issue; people are sleeping less and less because parents are busy working, children have many school activities, and they spend too much time on electronic devices. The troubling part is that many are unaware of the consequences. While napping or going to bed late may seem harmless, it can truly lead to negative effects that last a lifetime.
Why is late sleeping by children so bad? What can you do to change it?
Since many parents don’t pay much attention to this matter, we at SelMagz decided to share the significant risks and some tips to help change children’s sleeping habits.
Why is it important for children to sleep well?Effects of InsomniaWhat is the impact on children?
Before diving into the detailed consequences of late sleeping, it’s important to remember why children need to sleep well. While some kids resist going to bed early, this habit is far more important than it seems.
A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to boost energy; sleeping recharges the brain’s “battery,” allowing for optimal mental performance throughout the day. As a result, a child’s mind will be alert and calm after a good night’s sleep.
On the other hand, sleep also affects physical abilities. When resting, muscles release the day’s tension, preparing to face new challenges. This is vital for children’s sports and school activities.
What does healthy sleep mean:
Healthy sleep is not just about going to bed early, but also:
- Getting enough sleep (less than 10 hours a night)
- Sleeping without interruption
- Napping enough
- A sleep schedule that aligns with the child’s circadian rhythm (internal biological clock).
If any of the above factors are not addressed, it can trigger signs of sleep deprivation. The good news is that there are several habits that can help keep them on track.
Reasons why late sleeping is bad for kids
One of the toughest tasks for parents is getting kids to sleep early. With so many distractions, children resist going to bed, but ignoring this issue can harm their growth. Although it may seem unrelated, poor nighttime sleep could lead to many future problems.
Late sleeping makes it harder for kids to focus:
Poor sleep negatively affects a child’s mental health. Insufficient sleep can lead to decreased alertness and concentration; bad sleep is the most common cause of inattention in class. It can also make children less active and more sluggish.
Late sleeping in children results insleepinessduring the day:
Late sleeping may be a reason children suffer from daytime sleepiness. Not sleeping enough (less than 10 or 12 hours, depending on their age) makes them feel tired and sleepy all day.
Late sleeping in children causes fatigue:
Daytime sleepiness is linked to fatigue; contrary to popular belief, it is not only adults who suffer from this. Children also experience weakness and tiredness due to the consequences of poor sleep. They can also enter a “hyper-alert” state, leading to sleep disturbances. This is because this state increases hormone releases, such as adrenaline, that keep the brain awake.
Late sleeping in children increases the risk of obesity:
Evidence from scientific research gathered from 29 studies in 16 countries shows that poor sleep patterns can increase the riskof childhood obesity.This research indicates that late sleeping may be a risk factor for obesity.
The problem of toxin buildup in children due to late sleeping:
Late sleeping and waking late can cause the accumulation of toxins in the body, leading to physical and mental fitness issues.
Late sleeping in children affects height growth:
Additionally, a reduction in height growth is often seen in children who sleep late. Also, children who sleep late tend to have lower academic growth compared to others.
Depression in childrendue to late sleeping:
How to improve children’s sleep habits:
Parents need to understand that children are unaware of their sleep issues, and thus they require assistance in resolving them. To do this, keep an eye on their sleep patterns and remember that they should go to bed between 7:30 and 8:30 PM.
- All family members should participate in this process; it’s easier for a child to see their parents and siblings getting enough rest. Also, to ensure their sleep will be uninterrupted, they should sleep in rooms free of distractions like TVs, computers, or tablets.
- To determine your child’s bedtime, talk with them and choose a time close to what they like, and when that time comes, gently prepare them for sleep.
- Do not force your child to sleep, as this can create stress and take away their relaxation. Instead, let them know they can stay awake, but they should just go to bed and rest.
- You can reward your child for going to bed on time and use positive reinforcement, such as giving them a nice pajama or their favorite snack.
- Some activities that promote calm sleep include storytelling,lullabiesreading, bathing, massaging before sleep, and gently rocking them to sleep.
- Many factors can disrupt children’s sleep, some related to their bedroom environment and sleep items, like unsuitable sleepwear, heavy blankets, and poor air quality.
- Sleeping during the day may cause some children to stay up late at night, so do not allow them to nap.
- Intake of certainfoodslike tea andsodanot only poses risks for children but also disrupts their nighttime sleep.
- Plan active play for your child, such as playing in the park or scheduled sports activities for the daytime, and dedicate quiet activities like reading stories or watching TV for their nights since active play can interfere with their nighttime sleep.
- Some children are afraid of their sleeping environment, so you need to identify the cause of their fear. If daily issues lead to children’s fears, allow your child to talk about these matters. Additionally, some children have vivid imaginations that cause them nighttime fears. To help them, let your child tell you a story, and discuss it to help remove any frightening thoughts from their mind, aiding them to have a restful sleep.
