Sleep is your superpower

It has been a very busy start to the school year and I thought it timely to remind us all about the importance of sleep. Children and adults alike need sleep. Without enough sleep we get cranky and with time, unhealthy. But for children it’s especially important because the effects of sleep deprivation can lead to lifelong problems.

Studies show that children who do not get enough sleep can end up with behavioral and learning problems that persist for years and affect a child’s life forever. The prevalence of devices such as mobile phones and Ipads also has implications for sleep. More and more, children are staying up or being woken up by these devices. In addition to that our achievement culture between homework and extracurricular activities, many of us simply have less time for sleep.

So, how much sleep does your child need? Here are the recommended amounts:

• Infants: 12 to 16 hours (including naps).
• Toddlers: 11 to 14 hours (including naps).
• Preschoolers: 10 to 13 hours (including naps).
• Grade school-aged children: 9 to 12 hours.
• Teens: 8 to 10 hours.

Here are four ways you can help your child get enough sleep:-

1. Make sleep a priority.
2. Set the bedtime routine earlier.
3. Switch all screens off.
4. Keep the same routines on the weekend and during the holidays.

Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching