A child’s brain health is something we do not discuss much. Have you ever wondered why is your child not behaving as he should? Why is he not focusing on academics or other physical activities? There can be a number of factors but lack of sleep is the prime one. Research has shown that the quality, as well as the quantity of sleep, matters equally.
Researchers have found the links between sleep disturbance and improper sleep patterns associated with behavioral and emotional issues and poor performance in children. These issues are more prevalent in children from ages 4 to 16. If you notice a sudden fluctuation in the moods and behavior of your child, sleep disturbance might be the cause behind it.
Serious impacts of sleeplessness
The impacts of sleeplessness are not only limited to a child’s brain health but also cause other serious health issues.
- Children are at a greater risk of germs exposure and are more likely to get sick if they do not sleep well.
- The frontal lobe of the brain is not properly developed due to less sleep. It is involved in decision-making abilities which means the child’s brain health is damaged and he can not make the right choices.
- Also, the attention span is reduced, which means that the child is unable to focus on academics and other mental sports. Usually, children are better at multi-tasking as compared to adults because they have a more directed attention span.
- They can be abnormally thin or overweight if they do not sleep 9 hours every night. It leads to poor physical health.
- Anxiety is most commonly observed in children having sleep disorders. They do not have control over their mood swings and often misbehave with others.
- If the sleep pattern keeps on going irregular, the mental health problems can increase leading to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
- Moreover, the children also have sleep deprivation, nightmares, sleepwalking, and bedwetting issues.
Why does sleeplessness cause a decline in brain functioning?
Our brain generates neurotoxic waste which needs to be evacuated by our cerebrospinal fluid. This cerebrospinal fluid is static in our body throughout the day but it flows at a high rate when we lie down to sleep at night. If this waste is not transported out properly, it directly affects brain functioning.
Research has shown that people who do not sleep properly have an excess amount of this toxic waste and can not concentrate on their work. They are not able to work constantly and learn new things. A child’s brain health must be perfect because it is his learning age. Whatever he observes is stored in his long-term memory. It means that proper sleep is important.
How to regulate your child’s sleep habits?
The recommended amount of sleep for school-going children is more than ten hours. For teenagers, it is about 8 to 9 hours for proper brain functioning. Mainly the issue arises due to bad habits. Eating patterns are not regulated and children do not follow a proper routine. It is the reason their performance is declined and they grow mentally and physically weak.
Here are a few strategies you can adopt to create betterment in your child’s brain health.
- You should discuss and debate the importance of good sleep throughout the day to inculcate the thought of a healthy lifestyle in your children.
- Do not only force the children to sleep at a proper time but also set a practical example by doing so yourself.
- Make a cozy atmosphere so that your children go to bed automatically. Have a special colored theme for the bedroom and dim lights so that they sleep comfortably.
- Keep the workspace and playing area away from the bedroom. Make sure that they do not have toys or gadgets in bed.
- The light of the screen is very harmful as exposure to it before bed can reduce sleep. Fix the time to watch TV or use phones and tablets an hour before going to bed.
You should bring a change in your child’s routine to make them have adequate sleep necessary for their brain functioning and cognitive abilities.