Table of contents:
- Why do children need enough sleep?
- Various signs of sleep deprivation according to their age
- Small children (infants, toddlers and toddlers)
- Elementary school age children
- Youth
- The ideal sleep duration for children
- Tips so that children get enough sleep
Some of the common signs of sleep deprivation, such as droopy eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and frequent yawning may be easy to spot. Sometimes, however, children can show other signs that are more imprudent. This makes it difficult for parents to determine whether it is due to lack of sleep or other problems. So so that you don't get confused, consider the various signs of a child who is lacking sleep according to his age below.
Why do children need enough sleep?
Everyone needs enough sleep, including children. Especially school age children. Adequate sleep is important for them to be able to learn to be calm while at school.
Enough sleep means a fresh brain to focus on focus, absorb new information and store it in long-term memory. Regular sleep also strengthens the child's memory. In addition, sleep increases the child's immune system and stamina. This will all have a good impact on the academic performance of the child and beyond.
In contrast, the effects of sleep deprivation in children have long been associated with the risk of chronic health problems in the future. Starting from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, to mental health disorders such as depression and ADHD.
So it is important for every parent to make sure their children get enough sleep.
Various signs of sleep deprivation according to their age
Signs of lack of sleep are not only yawning and panda eyes. Different ages, different signs they can show.
Small children (infants, toddlers and toddlers)
- Children tend to be fussy or crybaby, especially in the afternoons.
- Spoiled and don't want to be left behind.
- Shows restless, restless, or hyperactive behavior.
- Passive and doesn't talk much.
- Sleep again after waking up and a little difficult to wake up.
- Just want to lie down or take a nap all day.
- The child falls asleep in the car, in the dining chair, or while watching TV (even though it's not time for a nap).
- Snoring while sleeping.
Elementary school age children
- Hyperactive.
- Often falling asleep at the wrong time.
- Need to wake up many times in the morning.
- Less interested and passionate about the things he likes.
- Look weak and lethargic.
- Drowsiness at school or at home while doing homework.
- Difficulty sleeping at night.
- Having academic problems (poor grades or inconsistent fluctuation; often forgetting / not submitting assignments; frequently overslept in class; etc.).
- Experiencing sleepwalking for the first time.
- Feeling that you need more time to take a nap.
- Snoring loudly.
- Experiencing sleep apnea, or stopping breathing during sleep.
- Do not want to be far from you whether it be day or night.
Youth
- It's hard to wake up in the morning.
- Often late for school.
- Moody (mood swings quickly).
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Feeling discouraged and demotivated.
- Irritability in the afternoon.
- Often overslept during the day.
- Experiencing academic problems (poor grades or inconsistent fluctuation; often forgetting / not submitting assignments; often sleepy in class; etc.).
- Long sleep on the weekends.
- Hyperactive or aggressive.
- Feel restless.
- Drinking caffeinated drinks in excess (coffee, energy drinks)
- Using certain drugs.
- Not paying attention to appearance, looks shabby.
- Look confused or absent-minded.
- Snoring loudly.
The ideal sleep duration for children
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the recommendations for the ideal sleep time for children according to their age range are:
- Infants 4 to 12 months of age: 12 to 16 hours (including naps)
- Toddlers 1 to 2 years of age: 11 to 14 hours (including naps)
- Toddlers ages 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
- Children 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
- Adolescents 13 to 18 years of age: 8 to 10 hours
Based on these recommendations, from now on, make sure your child gets enough sleep, yes!
Tips so that children get enough sleep
- Set regular bedtime and wake-up times each day. Make sure that the child does not pass this time. Including on weekends.
- Establish a relaxing sleep routine, such as encouraging your child to take a warm bath or read a bedtime story.
- Do not give your child any caffeine-containing food or drink six hours before bedtime.
- Make sure the temperature in the child's room is comfortable and the bedroom is dark.
- Make the time after dinner a relaxing playtime, because too much activity at bedtime can actually keep children awake.
- Make sure you don't turn on the TV, computer, cell phone, radio, or music while the child is sleeping. TV and video games must be turned off at least one hour before the child goes to sleep.
- Babies and children should be put to sleep when they seem tired, even if they are still strong in literacy.
x