Who Knew?! The Surprising Ways Quality Sleep Boosts Kids' Health and Happiness

Quality sleep is as crucial for children as nutrition and exercise, yet it often gets overshadowed in the hustle and bustle of family life. Have you ever wondered how the nightly rest of your child or the children you work with affects their health and happiness? Here, we explore the incredible benefits of ensuring your little ones get the quality sleep they need.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

One of the most significant benefits of quality sleep in children is improved cognitive function. Throughout the early years, a child’s cognitive abilities will develop significantly, with the amount and quality of sleep they obtain playing a key factor in this development. Some research has suggested that preschoolers who do not sleep well may later develop problems with certain aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and the ability to focus and tune out distractions. Alternatively, children who do sleep well have been found to have increased success on executive functioning tasks such as abstract reasoning and problem-solving (Nelson, 2015)

Emotional Well-being

Quality sleep plays a vital role in regulating emotions. Well-rested children often wake up feeling ready to tackle the day. In contrast, lack of sleep can lead to irritability and mood swings. For example, researchers found that children who slept less than the recommended amounts for their age had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who got sufficient sleep. These challenges included impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior. Additionally, the children with insufficient sleep were also found to have more difficulty with decision making, conflict solving, working memory, and learning (Wang, 2022).

Strengthened Immune System

Sleep is the body’s natural recovery tool, and it is especially true for kids. Adequate sleep enhances their immune system, making them less susceptible to illnesses. According to the Mayo clinic, not getting enough sleep or quality sleep significantly raises your chances of getting sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold. Additionally, sleep or lack of sleep can affect how long it takes you to get better if you do get sick. Prioritizing your child's sleep can lead to fewer sick days and more energetic playtimes.

Physical Growth

Did you know that most growth hormone is released during deep sleep? This is essential for growth and muscle development in children. Lack of sleep can lead to suppressed growth hormone levels, potentially impacting a child's overall growth and development. During sleep, kids experience vital physical recovery, especially if they are involved in sports or active play. For instance, sleep allows the body to repair and rebuild tissues, contributing to overall physical health.

Future Benefits

Quality sleep doesn’t just enhance current health; it can also set kids up for benefits in the future. One study showed that children who had a consistent bedtime routine at 3-years old demonstrated higher language abilities and increased readiness for school at 5 years old than did the children who did not have a consistent bedtime routine. This study also found that having a bedtime routine can act as a buffer against family stress, ultimately leading to a more positive family atmosphere in the long-term (Mindell, 2018).

Prioritizing Quality Sleep

Encouraging children to adopt healthy sleep habits can lead to numerous benefits, from a stronger immune system to improved emotional health. Quality sleep is more than just a period of rest; it’s a critical component of a child’s overall well-being. Next time the bedtime routine feels hard, it can help to remember the incredible impact that quality sleep has on both health and happiness!

References

Mindell JA, Williamson AA. Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond. Sleep Med Rev. 2018 Aug;40:93-108. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.10.007. Epub 2017 Nov 6. PMID: 29195725; PMCID: PMC6587181.

Nelson, T. D., Nelson, J. M., Kidwell, K. M., James, T. D., & Espy, K. A. (2015). Preschool Sleep Problems and Differential Associations With Specific Aspects of Executive Control in Early Elementary School. Developmental neuropsychology, 40(3), 167–180

Yang FN, Xie W, Wang Z. Effects of sleep duration on neurocognitive development in early adolescents in the USA: a propensity score matched, longitudinal, observational study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022 Oct;6(10):705-712.