Sleep and Children

Sleep plays an important role in children’s overall wellbeing.  Not enough sleep or not enough good quality sleep can have an adverse effect on the way children behave but also on their ability to learn.  Having a regular bedtime routine plays a positive role in helping children to learn to settle and sleep. 

A bedtime routine starts with at least one hour (younger school aged children, two hours) away from screens such as cell phones, tablets and computers.  Being consistent with bedtime routines makes it easier for children to develop healthy sleep patterns. 

Children who are regularly tired from not having enough sleep can find it difficult to regulate their emotions, causing them to react to situations, big and small with little control over their actions, compared to being able to respond to most situations while having some control over how they cope with managing their emotions at the same time.

The Sparklers website provides whanau / families with useful information around a range of topics to help you support your child’s wellbeing.  Click on the Sparklers link below to find out more around children and sleep. https://sparklers.org.nz/media/documents/2-How_to_help_your_kids..._sleep.pdf

Further information you may find helpful:

KidsHealth.org.nz / Healthy Kids, NZ / health navigator.org.nz