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Page 1 of 2 From the day the baby is brought home from the hospital to the day the
teenager becomes an adult and moves out, parents are face with the question, are
they getting enough sleep? Recent research shows that children of all ages are
not getting enough sleep. The studies also show that failure to get enough
sleep can result in poor school achievement and behavior problems. Through the
ages children and teenagers have fought with their parents about bed time and
the need for sleep. On the page you will find information on how sleep effects
child and adolescent develop. You will also learn how to help your child or
teen get the right amount of sleep.
Newborns
Newborn infants have irregular sleep cycles, which take about 6 months to
mature. While newborns sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day, they may only
sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As children get older, the total number of hours
they need for sleep decreases. However, different children have different needs.
It is normal for even a 6 month old to wake up briefly during the night, but
these awakenings should only last a few minutes and children should be able to
go back to sleep easily on their own. Further information on sleep in
infants:
Toddlers & Preschoolers
Fewer minutes and hours of sleep add up to more problems in the daytime
behavior of children aged two to five, according to new research. Two- and
three-year-old children sleeping less than 10 hours in a 24-hour period were
consistently at greatest risk for behavior problems such as oppositional or
noncompliant behavior, "acting out" behaviors, and aggression, reported the team
of Northwestern University scientists conducting the study. Preschoolers who
sleep less at night have almost 25 percent greater chance of psychiatric
diagnosis, according to the study, published in the June issue of
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
Here are some basic suggestions from the
American Academy of Pediatrics:
1. Make sure there is a quiet period before your child goes to bed. Establishing a pleasant routine that may include reading, singing, or a warm
bath. A regular routine will help your child understand that it will soon be
time to go to sleep. If parents work late hours, it may be tempting to play with
their child before bedtime. However, active play just before bedtime may leave
the child excited and unable to sleep. Limit television viewing and video game
play before bed.
2. Try to set a consistent schedule for your child and make bedtime the same
time every night. His sleep patterns will adjust accordingly.
3. Allow your child to take a favorite teddy bear, toy, or special blanket to
bed each night. Such comforting objects often help children fall
asleep–especially if they awaken during the middle of the night. Make sure the
object is safe. A teddy bear may have a ribbon, button, or other part that may
pose a choking hazard for your child. Look for sturdy construction at the seams.
Stuffing or pellets inside the stuffed animal may also pose a danger of choking.
4. Make sure your child is comfortable. Check the temperature in your child's
room. Clothes should not restrict movement. He may like to have a drink of
water, have a night-light left on, or the door left slightly open. Try to handle
your child's needs before bedtime so that he doesn't use them to avoid going to
bed.
5. Try to avoid letting your child sleep with you. This will only make it
harder for him to learn to settle himself and fall asleep when he is alone.
6. Try not to return to your child's room every time he complains or calls
out. A child will quickly learn if you always give in to his requests at
bedtime. When your child calls out, try the following:
- Wait several seconds before answering. Your response time can be longer
each time to give your child the message that it is time for sleep. It also
gives him the opportunity to fall asleep on his own.
- Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into his room,
do not stimulate the child or stay too long.
- Move farther from your child's bed every time you reassure him, until
you can do this verbally without entering his room.
Further information from the AMA and AAP:
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