March is National Sleep Awareness Month

Sleep is one of a human’s basic needs. A good night’s sleep is foundational to health and wellbeing and can impact the lives of children and adults alike. Adequate sleep not only supports a child’s physical health but also their cognitive function, mood, and behavior. There is an important connection between sleep and your overall health and well-being.

Sleep is important for helping your brain function in so many ways and good sleep improves clarity, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Sleep significantly helps our ability to manage emotions. Effective emotional regulation is crucial for working through challenges without becoming overwhelmed or discouraged. Not getting enough sleep also impairs attention, memory, and executive function. Insufficient sleep also increases the risk mental and physical health problems.

How Much Sleep should your child be getting?

Below are four habits to improve sleep:

1. Activity: Make sure your child is getting enough mental and physical activity throughout the day. Be sure to decrease rough play approximately 1 hour before bed to help your child start to relax.

2. Keep bedtime routine similar: This routine can include calming activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music.

3. Screen Time: Eliminate screen time 1 hour before bed. Blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin which is the sleep hormone.

4. Environment: Make your/your child’s sleep environment comfortable with the temperature and lights. Adding a calming background noise can also be help. White, pink and brown noise are the most calming sounds and will help create relaxation.

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