why sleep is important for little ones

Why is sleep important? As adults it’s quite simple, a good nights sleep allows our bodies and minds time to rest and recharge, ready for the next day. However for babies and children it is a bit more complex than that. There is so much that goes on in our little one’s brains and bodies while they sleep – it helps them learn, grow and develop.

Why is it important for little ones to settle to sleep quickly, calmly and have enough sleep?

While little ones sleep their brain rests and restores from their busy day
Their memory develops during sleep
Their social & behaviour skills mature
When learning to talk, they start to integrate all they have heard, storing how it sounds and what it means when sleeping
They process all that’s gone on during the day
They grow at night! the growth hormone is most active during non rem sleep
Sleep helps fight infection
Improves their attention span

When overtired little ones can

Struggle to solve problems
Retain new information
They can get frustrated, leading to increased temper tantrums
They are unable to process all that’s gone on during the day
Struggle to go to sleep let alone stay asleep
They can become stressed and then struggle to be relaxed and calm
It can become fussy
Often struggle to feed & eat

Having battles at nap and bedtimes can lead to disturbed sleep, with frequent waking, early waking and a tired, grumpy baby let alone a tried grumpy mummy & daddy!

How can you help your baby or child get all the sleep they need?