Health and Wellness: Sleep

This month we are focusing on why we sleep and the important benefits that come with sleep!

The Critical Role Sleep Plays

Sleep plays a critical role in the development of children. It allows their bodies to recharge and retain the information they have learned throughout the day. Children and adolescents who regularly obtain an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, memory, and learning, in addition to overall mental health and physical health. Something important to note is that bedtime does not just start when your kids get into bed. Depending on their needs, the bedtime routine can start an hour or two before lights out. So, keeping this in mind, also consider when your child wakes up each morning. That, too, should be consistent. And helpful in determining what time at night they should be in bed to feel their absolute best when the alarm clock goes off.

Another thing to note is that not only does age matter when determining how much sleep is required but so do events. Emotionally and physically exhausting days will naturally bring on the need for more rest at night. Keep an eye on your children's behavior. If you notice they are sleeping less at night and this coincides with troubling behavior changes, or other negative side effects, add to the hours of sleep each night.

5 Action Steps/ Tips to get a better sleep