Whether children are adults or school-age, sleeping well is essential. Poor sleep results in injuries, obesity, poor mental health, and difficulties with behavior and attention in children. A child in the school-age range needs around 10-11 hours of sleep each night.
We also realize that children don’t get enough sleep at this age because of numerous factors such as large school loads, getting to sleep late, and evening parties.
To ensure proper sleep is provided for their children, guardians need to be aware of this. The benefits of good sleep include improving your child’s intelligence, making them more attentive, keeping them healthy, etc. So here, we will talk about the signs of sleep deprivation in school-aged children and what can be done to help them sleep well.
Sleep Deprivation Symptoms Witnessed in Children
A child’s sleep deprivation is different from an adult’s. Among the symptoms you might encounter are:
Cognitional Efficiency: A lack of sleep will make school-age children inattentive. Due to this, they do not have adequate concentration to study. The lack of sleep can also impair their intellectual ability. Further, they may be unable to wake up on time in the morning to reach school in time. Sleeping inadequately makes the body unable to form a healthy composition.
Humor: Sleep deprivation will cause your school-aged children to be harsh, depressed, and stingy. Moreover, they are incapable of controlling their humor correctly. They also become frustrated with anything within a short time.
Attitude: Children who do not get enough sleep behave like abnormal boys. In a short time, they become angry with their family members over pointless issues. In such a situation, they become hypersensitive very quickly.
Daytime Sleep: When they cannot sleep properly at night, they usually sleep during the day. Health experts say that daytime naps are unhealthy for them. He will become obese and depressed if he spends the entire day sleeping.
Grogginess in the Morning: School-aged children who haven’t got proper sleep at night become habituated with late-night sleep. And late sleep will make them hectic after a sudden wake-up in the morning.
When school-age children do not get proper sleep at night, these are the most common symptoms that they experience.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation in Children
- Children with sleep deprivation are more likely to suffer from depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Sleep deprivation can have several adverse effects in the classroom, including misbehavior and diminished concentration.
- Sleep-deprived children are more likely to have trouble with impulse control, which can lead to risky behavior.
- School starts later during the day, resulting in less daytime tiredness, higher grades, and fewer bad moods.
A lack of sleep can have these effects on school-aged children.
Practical Tips for Making Sure Your Child Sleeps Well
To improve their academic performance, school-aged children need enough sleep. You can help them sleep better by following these tips.
Keep Your Child Safe at Night
Suppose your child is scared of going to bed or being alone in the dark; praise and reward him for being brave. Avoiding television shows, video games, and terrifying movies are also helpful.
Get Ready for Bed by Relaxing
Help your child become calm before you go to bed. Listening to soothing music, relaxing breathing, reading a book may be helpful for older children who have trouble sleeping. To allow your child to wind down, turn off the lights earlier than usual if they take longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep.
Establish a Sleeping Routine
Consistent sleep routines that include enjoyable activities are still beneficial for school-aged children. A nighttime routine with a bath, story, and bedtime may be beneficial for adolescents.
Maintain a Regular Sleep and Waking Schedule
Set your child’s bedtime and wake-up time according to the same time each day. Your child’s body clock will remain on a consistent schedule.
Ensure Your Child’s Bedroom is Quiet and Well-Lit
Find out if your child can sleep in a room that’s too bright or too noisy. Electronic devices emit blue light, which reduces melatonin production and delays sleep. The same can occur for young children showing bright light before bedtime.
The Takeaway
As a guardian, every parent wants their child to concentrate on their career and studies. Sleep deprivation has a significant impact on your school-aged children’s cognitive ability. Following the tips we discussed in the previous paragraphs might help keep your children from sleeping less than they should. Also, please reach out to us at Petite Dreamers to learn more about our sleep training programs.