Evie Summers
Sleep is important for children's growth, immune system, and mental and physical health. However, there is no irrefutable evidence that children need a specific amount of sleep. While some children may need more sleep than others, it is a contemporary concern that children are chronically sleep deprived. Children who are not getting enough sleep may feel moody, tired, or cranky, and may struggle to pay attention or follow directions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mood | Moody |
| Energy levels | Tired |
| Behaviour | Cranky |
| Attention span | Hard to pay attention |
| Following directions | Hard to follow directions |
| School performance | Poor school performance |
| Sports or music performance | Poor performance in sports or music |
| Growth | Poor growth |
| Immune system | Poor immune system |
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Sleep quality
There are concerns that children are 'in need of more sleep' and that they are 'chronically sleep deprived'. However, it is not clear how much more sleep is optimal. While feelings of sleepiness do not necessarily indicate a need for more sleep, sleep recommendations are issued to help guide optimal sleep on the basis of duration.
'Optimal sleep' can be conceptualised as the amount of sleep required to optimise some desirable outcome, such as academic performance, or aspects of mental or physical health. Therefore, it is important to consider not only sleep duration but also sleep quality, timing, architecture, consistency, and continuity.
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Sleep timing
There is no irrefutable evidence that children need a specific amount of sleep, but it is a contemporary concern that children are "in need of more sleep" and are "chronically sleep deprived".
If your child is having trouble falling asleep, it's important to talk to them about it. They may have worries that are keeping them awake, and just talking about it could help them relax enough to fall asleep.
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Sleep duration
Although there is no irrefutable evidence of a specific sleep duration requirement, such as 9.5 hours or 8.5-9.5 hours per night, it is widely recognised that children may be "chronically sleep deprived". This concern is not new, and the decline in sleep duration over time may suggest that children can "cope" with less sleep than they did a century ago. However, it is important to note that feelings of sleepiness do not always indicate a need for more sleep, and vice versa.
Other factors, such as sleep quality, timing, architecture, consistency, and continuity, also play a crucial role in a child's overall sleep health. For example, sleep timing has been shown to be even more predictive of children's physical activity levels and body mass status than sleep duration alone. Therefore, a holistic approach to sleep health, considering multiple factors, is necessary to optimise desirable outcomes related to mental and physical health, as well as academic performance.
If a child is experiencing persistent difficulties falling asleep or is kept awake by worries, it is important to encourage open communication with parents or caregivers. Simply talking about sleep-related concerns can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep.
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Signs of sleep deprivation
Sleep is important for children's growth and development, but it can be hard to tell if a child is getting enough sleep. While some children need more sleep than others, there are some signs that may indicate a child is sleep-deprived.
One sign is a change in mood. Children who are sleep-deprived may become moody, tired, or cranky. They may also have trouble paying attention or following directions, and may find it hard to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks.
Sleep-deprived children might also experience physical changes, such as a decrease in growth or a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.
If a child is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it's important to address the issue. Talking to a parent or caregiver can help identify any worries or concerns that may be keeping the child awake.
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How to get help
If your child is not getting enough sleep, they may feel moody, tired or cranky. They might find it hard to pay attention or follow directions, and they may struggle with school work or activities that are usually easy for them.
If your child is struggling to fall asleep, it's important to talk to them about it. Ask them if they have any worries that are keeping them awake, and try to help them solve their sleep problems. Just talking about it might help them relax and feel ready to sleep. You could also try to improve their sleep hygiene by making sure they have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and that they're getting enough exercise during the day.
If your child continues to struggle with sleep, you could consider seeking professional help. Speak to your child's doctor or a sleep specialist, who may be able to offer guidance or recommend further steps. They may suggest making changes to your child's sleep environment or routine, or recommend behavioural strategies to improve their sleep.
It's important to remember that every child is different, and some children may simply need more sleep than others. However, if you're concerned about your child's sleep, don't hesitate to seek help. Getting enough sleep is crucial for your child's physical and mental health, as well as their growth and development.
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Frequently asked questions
If your child is feeling moody, tired or cranky, they may need more sleep. They might also find it hard to pay attention or follow directions, or struggle with school work or sports.
There is no irrefutable evidence that children need a specific amount of sleep, but it is recommended that children get 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep a night.
Encourage your child to talk about any worries that might be keeping them awake. Just talking about it might help them relax and get to sleep.
