The Importance of Sleep for Growing Minds

How many of us love that comforting feeling of heading to bed, laying our heads on our own pillow, snuggling under the covers, and closing our eyes to rest after a busy day? Sleep is not just a luxury -it’s a necessity, especially for children.

Personally, I find sleep energising. It helps me feel ready for the day ahead and gives me the strength to stay active and get my steps in. But sleep does much more than just recharge our bodies- it plays a vital role in our overall health and development.

Professor Dorothy Bruck, in her interview featured on SchoolsTV, highlights how sleep affects young children’s growth hormone production and supports learning and memory consolidation. These are crucial during the early years when children are absorbing so much new information. Sleep also nurtures emotional development. Research shows that children and adolescents who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience depression in adulthood.

🛏️ ️Building Healthy Bedtime Routines

Knowing how important sleep is, what can we do to support our children?

One key strategy is to establish consistent bedtime routines. Ask yourself:

· What order do nighttime activities follow?

· Are they the same every night or do they change?

Consistency helps build strong habits. After dinner, consider winding down with a story or a family card game. Follow this with brushing teeth and a final toilet visit. Then, it’s time to hop into bed with a calming story—either read aloud by a parent or listened to as an audiobook. This gentle transition helps children relax and prepare for sleep.

⏰How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

The amount of sleep children need varies by age:

· Children under 12 years: 9–10 hours per night

· 5-year-olds: Around 11 hours per night

Making sure bedtime happens early enough to allow for these hours is essential.

So, as you enjoy this week’s newsletter, take a moment to reflect on your family’s sleep habits. A good night’s sleep is one of the best gifts we can give our children—and ourselves!

Sweet dreams and happy sleeping!