Children Need a Good Night Sleep. Why? and How?

"A tired child is a cranky child". Every parent sees and knows it. Scientists discover that children with chronic sleep problems are at increased risk for developing a mental illness later in life. It often link to aggressive behavior, learning and memory problems and obesity.



Suggestions to healthy sleep in children:

• Set a regular bedtime and wake time, even on weekends
• Create an oasis for sleep in bedroom - dark and quiet
• Create a calming bedtime routine - a bath and story (young kids children); reading or listening to mellow music (older children)
• NO technology (TV, Web surfing, texting) in the half hour before bed. The activities are stimulating.
• Don't your child to bed as punishment or allow him to stay up late as a reward for good behavior - negative message about sleep
• Review happy moments from the day - focus on positive thoughts

General Guidelines to Amount of Sleep in a day (night + naps):

• Infant (0-12 months old): 14-15 hours
• Toddlers (1-3 years old): 12-14 hours
• Preschoolers (3- 6 years old): 10-12 hours
• School-age kids (7-12 years old): 10-11 hours
• Teenagers (12-18 years old): 8-9 hours

*** Older children who are not willing to have afternoon nap should have a rest time in their own room.

Sources: WebMD,The Wall Street Journal.