It is nothing new that sleep is fundamental for the health of any person, but it is even more important for babies and children. Sleep allows for the restoration of essential physical and psychological functions for their physical and emotional development. It also helps them have a better attitude or behavior, to be in a better mood and less irritable. Additionally, it helps improve their learning, language, and memory capacity.
That is why it is so important for parents to monitor our children's sleep from birth, as sleeping well and the necessary hours benefits their growth and emotional intelligence in the future.
From a young age, we have to help them develop good sleeping habits, instilling a routine that allows them to have good sleep hygiene. Only in this way can we ensure healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Why sleep is important for babies and children
If you still have doubts about the importance of sleep in babies and children, here are just some of the aspects in which sleep influences them:- Physical growth. The growth hormone is secreted in greater quantity 1 hour after sleep begins. Children who wake up a lot at night are at a disadvantage compared to those who sleep continuously for longer periods.
- Emotional development. Sleep is essential for adequate emotional, cognitive, and social development. During sleep, proteins and hormones are secreted that help mature the nervous system and promote neuronal development.
- Behavior. Children who sleep well perform better and are less prone to behavioral problems. Tantrums, lack of attention, irritability, hyperactivity... can be symptoms of poor rest.
- Learning and memory. The brain consolidates long-term memory during the night. When they rest well, babies have a better predisposition for learning, their ease of speaking increases, and their ability to assimilate language improves.
- School performance. Frequent awakenings during the night result in decreased performance for children the next day: especially in activities that require concentration and skill.
- The immune system and metabolism. Sleep strengthens the innate immune response, the first line against infections. Additionally, sleeping well prevents metabolic disorders such as childhood obesity and reduces the risk of developing addictions in adolescence.
