Kids Health Watch is Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Summer is a wonderful, fun, and, as far as routines go, chaotic season. With it, sleep can be similarly chaotic for little ones and teenagers. Routines change once school starts back, but you may be wondering what sleep should look like for your child.
As you undoubtedly know, sleep is incredibly important for all of us. It helps the brain regain energy, and for our little ones, sleep supports growth and development.
Sleep habits change drastically throughout a child’s life. Newborns sleep a lot more than older children. Each child’s sleep needs can vary drastically, even within the same family. Naps are generally still needed until around 5-6 years of age, but some children as young as 1-2 years of age may not need a nap at all. Then there are some children who need naps further into adolescence. It’s important to remember that your child’s sleeping needs may not fit into a tidy chart, and that’s ok. Always remember to follow your child’s needs, and if you have any questions or concerns, then reach out to your pediatrician.
To ensure your child gets adequate sleep, establish good sleep habits at home. Caffeine should be avoided in young children, especially nearing bedtime. Screens should be turned off – we are all guilty of looking at our phones or watching TV to fall asleep, and generally that’s ok – but if you notice changes or problems with sleeping, be aware that studies have shown that screens prevent the brain from entering ‘sleeping mode.’ Getting the house into a routine of winding down helps signal to your child that it’s time to start slowing down as well. The routine does not have to be complicated, but it should be consistent. This helps your child learn to recognize the proper cues for bedtime.
Some children do nonetheless have trouble sleeping. Sometimes children have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Sometimes a little adjustment to their sleep routine can make a big difference. There could also be more significant physiological issues that may need to be addressed. Among these are enlarged tonsils or allergy flare-ups. If you notice that your child is excessively sleepy during the day, or even if they start having behavioral or school difficulties, their sleep quality may be to blame. Your pediatrician can help you get back on track.
