The Importance of Sleep for Children

the importance of sleep for children

Why A Good Night’s Rest Is So Crucial For Your Kids

Every parent knows that sleep is important for a growing child. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy to get your little ones too bed, though. When bedtime becomes a problem, it’s tempting to get a little more lax about the sleep your son or daughter gets. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can lead to health issues, including:

  • The diet tip to sleep more isn’t just for adults! Good rest is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity and sleep deprivation go hand in hand. Obese children often have more fat tissue around their necks, which can make breathing during sleep challenging.
  • Immunity Loss. You know from your own life that several sleepless nights all too often lead to sickness. Without proper rest, the immune system has a harder time doing its job.
  • Insulin resistance in a major risk factor in developing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has evidence that shows that lack of proper sleep can cause insulin resistance.
  • Anxiety/Depression. When we don’t get enough sleep, the stress hormone in our bodies (cortisol) increases. Higher cortisol levels are linked to anxiety and depression.

We know you want to protect your children from all of these health problems, so we recommend the following:

  • Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your child’s sleep problems. While bedtime is challenging for many kids, ongoing lack of sleep is worth discussing with a medical professional!
  • Note your child’s breathing during sleep. Snoring can be an indicator of poor sleep.
  • Pay attention to how rested your child seems. Recurring sleepiness during the day is likely an indicator of troubles at night.

If you’d like to talk to a healthcare professional about your child’s sleep patterns, we’re here! We love the opportunity to connect with families in our community. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our pediatric surgeons in Orange County are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!

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