Why is sleep so important? Getting enough sleep is important for physical health, learning, and mood. Too little sleep at any age can affect cognitive functioning, emotional reactions, and a child’s ability to fight germs and stay well.
“Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.” https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids
When children and teens do not get adequate sleep on a regular basis the following negative effects can occur:
Physical Health:
- Compromised immune system (so a child can get sick more often and easier) and growth
- Higher rates of obesity and diabetes and risk for hypertension
- Increased risk for injuries (more clumsiness and poorer motor coordination)
Mental Health and Cognitive Functioning:
- Increased risk for anxiety and depression
- Increased inattention and forgetfulness
- More difficulty learning new information
- More frequent temper tantrums and irritability for young children
Deficits in sleep can have long-term negative effects on brain functioning. https://www.webmd.com/children/features/good-sound-sleep-for-children#1
In addition, a “lack of sleep causes irritability, increased stress, forgetfulness, difficulties with learning and low motivation. Over time, it can contribute to anxiety and depression.”
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=645&language=English.
Behaviors (symptoms) parents may see when children or teens are not getting enough sleep include the following:
Cognitive
- Low interest, motivation and reduced attention
- Increased forgetfulness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty learning
- Increased moodiness and irritability
- Increased impulsivity
- Increased stress
- Difficult to wake up in the morning
- Falling asleep after being woken up
- Yawning frequently
- Complaining of feeling tired or wanting to nap
- Reduced immune system function
Getting an adequate amount of quality (uninterrupted and well-timed) sleep is restorative and important for the well being of children and teens. When the recommended amount of sleep is attained on regular basis there is “improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. https://aasm.org/recharge-with-sleep-pediatric-sleep-recommendations-promoting-optimal-health/. According to Sick Kids (Canada), children who consistently get a good night’s sleep are more creative, have better concentration, show better problem-solving abilities, make more positive decisions, learn and remember things better, have more energy, and make and maintain more positive relationships with others. There are many reasons why a child or teen does not get adequate sleep including medication, use of electronics, and stress. The final blog in this series will provide practical recommendations and resources to help facilitate better (and more) sleep for children and teens.
Please talk with you pediatrician if you have concerns about the amount or quality of sleep for children.
Additional Resources and References:
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/not-tired.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html
https://www.parents.com/health/healthy-happy-kids/the-7-reasons-your-kid-needs-sleep/
https://childmind.org/article/happens-teenagers-dont-get-enough-sleep/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/children-and-sleep
https://aasm.org/recharge-with-sleep-pediatric-sleep-recommendations-promoting-optimal-health/