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Sleep
Sleep,
like diet and exercise, is important for our minds and bodies to function
normally. Healthy sleep habits are learned skills. When parents value
healthy sleep and teach good habits, children are likely to continue
those habits into their adult life. In our over-scheduled world, we
simply are busier and sleep less. Yet, our need for sleep hasn’t diminished.
If anything, we need it now more than ever.
A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that 69 percent
of American children aren’t getting enough sleep. The researchers
found that even infants are affected and since children don’t sleep
enough, their parents are sleep deprived, too.
Lack of sleep impacts our behavior, performance, emotions, family
relationships, and friendships. It affects our overall well-being
and health! So, how much sleep do we need?
• Toddlers: 11 hours, 1 to 2 hours of naps
• Preschoolers: 11 to 12 hours, with or without a nap
• School-age children: 10 to 11 hours per night
• Tweens and Teens: 9 to 10 hours per night
• Adults: 8 hours
Some individuals may need more or less than others their age
One of the best ways to get kids to settle down and go to sleep is
by creating a regular bedtime ritual (link to rituals page) with Mom
and Dad. It is a way to comfort and re- connect at the end of the
day!
The
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Overscheduled
Kids: the importance of sleep
Are
Your Students Sleep Deprived?
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Mission
Putting Family First works to raise awareness about the crucial connections between parents and children, and helps families find balance in their lives.
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