Bedtime fights begin as most children feel it is not time for sleep. They don’t understand, when it’s light outside, they have to go to bed. Resistance to going to bed is common. Also, the argument increases with age. However, children need sleep. In short, it impacts mental and physical development. Therefore, an inconsistent bedtime effects a student’s school work.
Students of school age need about 10 hours of sleep each night. However, homework and after school activities tend to produce later or varied bedtimes.
Not Enough Sleep
Several signs emerge as children demonstrate a lack of sleep.
• Mood changes occur with irregular sleep habits. Children are irritable.
• Behaviors change. Children become noncompliant. They may also display signs of hyperactivity.
• Skills are needed to succeed in school. These skills are affected with inconsistent bedtimes. Skills such as, memory, decision making, attention and reaction time are affected.
Healthy sleep habits in children and teens is needed for them to stay alert and aware. In addition to behavior changes, a lack of proper sleep increases the risk of injury. Consequently, the long term effects on lack of sleep cause health problems.
Building Healthy Sleep Habits
School aged children need healthy sleep habits to be successful in school and in afterschool activities.
• Create a regular schedule for shool aged children. Children should go to sleep and wake up approximately the same time each day. Hence, a regular routine is best.
• Children need a calm, quiet and soothing sleep environment. Thus, no television or computers.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine before bedtime. As a rule, no soda, tea or coffee.
For further assistance, discuss the matter with a school councelor or a doctor.
Sleep For All
Children and adults need sleep. Some experts say in sleep, the brain has time to analyze the day’s activities. It gets rid of useless information and processes useful information. In addition, it works through emotional problems. In short, proper sleep habits for children produce good results in school and at play.
