Children and adolescents need at least 9 hours of sleep every night. Sleep problems and a lack of sleep can have negative effects on children's performance in school, during extracurricular activities, and in social relationships.
A lack of sleep may cause:
· Accidents and injuries
· Behavior problems
· Impulsive behavior
· Mood problems
· Memory, concentration, and learning problems
· Slower reaction times
· Overeating
SIGNS OF SLEEP PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN
Talk to your pediatrician if your child shows any of the following signs of a sleep problem:
· Snoring
· Breathing pauses during sleep
· Trouble falling asleep
· Problems with sleeping through the night
· Teeth grinding
· Bedwetting
· Restless sleep
· Trouble waking up in the morning
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP
· Set a regular time for bed each night, and don’t vary from it. And don’t encourage sleeping in on the weekends. Wake-up time shouldn’t differ by more than 1 to 1 ½ hours.
· Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading a story.
· Make sure the temperature in the bedroom is comfortable and the bedroom is dark.
· Make sure the noise level in the house is low.
· TV and video games should be turned off at least 1 hour before bedtime.
· Infants and children should be put to bed when they appear tired but still awake.
Talk to your child's health care provider if these tips don't help or if you need additional guidance.