News Taffy

Last week I caught an interesting interview with Dr. Richard Besser on Good Morning America about a new sleep study. Dr. Besser reported on a study which clearly shows a link between academic performance, especially in math and languages, and sleeping well at night. Poor sleep is a significant risk factor for low academic performance and is often overlooked by educators, parents and pediatricians when searching for answers as to why little Johnny or Suzy are failing in school. Another recent study done by sleep researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst showed that preschoolers who napped after learning a new lesson clearly outperformed those children who did not nap. A third study has shown that children are sometimes diagnosed with ADHD when a consistent lack of sleep is actually the problem.

Scientists have found that the brain processes information while we sleep and makes important connections. When children miss out on sleep, they miss out on that crucial step and it is not necessarily made up the next time he or she sleeps but can be a lost opportunity for learning. A lack of sleep limits your ability to learn, concentrate, solve problems and remember things.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends children aged 5 to 12 get 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night and 9 hours for teens. Around age 5, children become more interested in computers, the Internet, cell phones and television and start to drink caffeinated beverages, all of which can affect sleep. Other studies have shown that watching TV too close to bedtime can lead to bedtime resistance and difficulty sleeping well.

Here are some tips for establishing better sleep habits for your children. Set and keep regular nap and bedtimes starting when your child is an infant. Don’t let your child skip naps or keep them up late because you are shopping or out with friends. Make your child’s bedroom conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet and cool and establish soothing bedtime rituals. Expect resistance from toddlers moving from the crib to a regular bed but do not let your child sleep with you or develop other bad bedtime habits. Do not allow televisions, computers or phones in children’s bedrooms, not even for teens. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Active children fall asleep faster and sleep longer than those who are more sedentary so make sure your child gets plenty of exercise. As children are old enough, teach them the importance of healthy sleep habits, just as you teach them to care for their teeth and take a bath. Point out to your teen that a good night’s sleep will do them more good than staying up late to cram for a test.

I have long believed in the importance of sleep and kept strict bedtimes for my children and I believe it has paid off. It is also important for adults to get a good night’s sleep. Many accidents can be attributed to sleep deprivation so set a good example for your kids and get some rest.