Did you know that children who get more sleep:
- have higher grade averages
- perform better on reasoning and mathematical skills
- have higher reading scores
- experience fewer accidents
- get along with others well
- are better able to focus
- get sick less frequently
- are less likely to be overweight
Sleep is critical in the early years for growth and development. A child will spend 40% of her childhood asleep. Sleep is especially important for children as it directly impacts mental and physical development!
If you are concerned your child may not be getting enough sleep, listen to a recent podcast from the director of the sleep center at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota as they discuss important information of symptoms and management of sleep disorders, as well as advice for promoting good sleep patterns for your child.
Interested in additional resources on sleep:
- Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has created a guide to healthy sleep. It offers sleep tips and strategies for newborns up to adults including nighttime routines, sleep problems and naps. Contact SMIF at 507-455-3215 for more information
- Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a parent educator and author of Sleepless in America. Her website and book offer many useful tips and strategies.
- The National Sleep Foundation also provides a wide array of information on sleep for all ages.