As parents do we realise that sleep is essential for children as much as keeping awake, eating healthy and playing for their overall development?
Sleep is essential for the body and mind to relax and rejuvenate. Adequate sleep helps in regulating behaviours and optimizing academic performance.
It is necessary for children to sleep for the recommended duration, around 12-15 hours for younger and 7 to 9 hours for older children.
Most often this is compromised either because of the parent schedule or because of the home environment.
How do we help our children sleep better ?
Having a schedule from the early years helps in setting the biological clock. Having a set time for sleep and awakening helps them with the initiation of sleep as well as getting up early.
Adequate physical activity during daytime helps in sleeping better. Avoiding evening naps, screen before bedtime also promotes sleep.
Avoiding stimulating drinks will help.
Having a cool, calm, dark or dimly lit place helps them sleep.
NO Screens in the room and avoiding screens for at least 3 hours prior to bedtime will facilitate sleep routine.
Having a fixed routine where kids change into their nightwear , brush and read books helps them relax prior to sleeping.
Sleep regulation plays a major role in adequate mental and physical health apart from academic performance.
Let us ensure that our babies sleep better.
Author: Dr. Hema Nalini Kandru
MBBS, DCH, FIAP-DBP, Fellowship in Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics, Developmental Pediatrician, Ankura Hospital for Women & Children