5 Reasons to Take Sleep Seriously
This list is focused entirely on your child and why teaching them to sleep well matters for their health and development.
I’m just as passionate (if not more?!) about all of the reasons that teaching your child to sleep well matters for you, the parent, too. From your mental and physical health to your ability to be the parent you want to be. But that will be another blog post.
These reasons are going to seem to be geared towards toddlers and preschoolers - and that's true. But the truth is: babies who don't sleep well turn into toddlers who don't sleep well who turn into school-aged kiddos who don't sleep well.
Yes, some children will outgrow their sleep issues, but most will not. That's why it's never too late and never too early to take sleep seriously.
Five Reasons to Take Your Child’s Sleep Seriously
Poor Sleep Affects Mood and Impulse Control. No one wants to live with a crabby, overtired toddler. It's unpleasant, to say the least, and they aren't enjoying themselves either! As adults, we have coping skills to get us through after a rough night. But it's not as manageable for our littles ones.
Sleep Promotes Growth. Our bodies produce and secrete growth hormones during deep sleep. And in those first three years of life, there's a LOT of growing to do. Fragmented nights mean not enough deep sleep.
Sleep Promotes a Healthy Weight. Leptin is the hormone that lets us know when we've had enough to eat. Fatigued bodies crave high sugar and high carbs because it's quick energy! In addition to this, just think about it…when your kiddo has a sleep deficit they also have less energy. This means they are going to be less active (hellooo screen time).
Sleep Keeps Them Healthy (Well, Healthier). Good sleep boosts the immune system. Tired bodies break down more easily. When our kiddos get good sleep, they avoid more illness and recover faster when they do get sick.
Sleep Improves the Ability to Learn. Recall is solidified during sleep. In studies done on preschoolers, those who were getting inadequate sleep forgot at least 15% of what they'd learned the day before. Those who got enough sleep were able to retain all of the information.
If you're ready to take your child's sleep seriously, I'm ready to help you!
Book your free sleep chat today to take the first step!