The link between sleep and child development

The role of sleep is very important for young children for a variety of reasons, including restoring energy and building neurotransmitters in the brain. Furthermore, there is evidence that sleep also promotes physical development in children.

Growth is a complex process that requires the participation of many hormones, thereby initiating various biological events in the blood, organs, muscles and bones. One of the most important is human growth hormone (hGH) - secreted by the pituitary gland.
There are several factors that influence this hormone production, including nutrition, stress and exercise. However, sleep is a major factor in young children. Growth hormone is secreted throughout the day, but is most abundant right after the onset of deep sleep in children.
Not getting enough sleep leads to child development problems, mainly slow growth or stunting. Plus, children with certain sleep problems - such as obstructive sleep apnea, can also have growth hormone production disrupted.
Another study proves: children who do not sleep at the right time in the first 3 years of life will affect cognitive ability, reading skills and math. Accordingly, sleep is the time when the brain recharges energy, as well as conducts more active cognitive processes.
It can be seen that the role of sleep is closely related to the development of children. However, the length of sleep is not as important as the quality of sleep. A baby who sleeps deeply and has a good night's sleep will absorb oxygen and energy and produce more growth hormone. The next morning, children will be in a relaxed mood, happy to play and grow up healthy.
On the contrary, when sleep is not good or lack of sleep, the body will secrete chemicals that cause imbalance, making the baby irritable, fussy, tired... in the long run, it will affect health and mind wisdom.

Every child is different, some babies need a little less or a little more sleep than their peers. But in general, 1-2 year olds need 11-14 hours of sleep (including naps), and 3-5 year olds need 10-13 hours (including naps) in a 24-hour day. Most babies go to bed between 7:30 and 9 p.m., and wake up between 6:30 and 8 a.m.
Regarding babies' napping needs, experts agree that:
Newborns sleep as much and for as long as possible; From 4 to 12 months, infants have 2 naps per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting from 20 minutes to 3 hours; From 2-3 years old, children nap for 1-2 hours in the middle of the day; By age 3, some babies will skip napping altogether. While most 2- to 4-year-olds still nap for 1-3 hours every afternoon, some older babies won't need naps anymore.

Most kids need more sleep than you think. Signs that your child may not be getting enough rest include:
Irritability or listlessness during the day Dozing in the car Difficult to wake. If your baby is fussy at bedtime or is tired or falls asleep before being put to bed, it's also a sign that your baby's sleep schedule isn't fixed.
There are many factors that disrupt children's sleep such as hunger or being too full, not clean hygiene, tight clothes, noisy space, secret... To help children get enough sleep, mothers need:
Set a fixed daily bedtime and stick to it. Have a bedtime routine to signal to your child's body that it's time to relax. Routines might include giving your baby a bath, reading a story, or singing a soothing lullaby. Keep your child's room dark and quiet to make it easier to fall asleep. Place TVs, game consoles, and other electronic devices outside of your baby's room. Do not play loudly or scream loudly before bedtime to avoid stimulating the baby. Keep a regular bedtime routine and schedule even on weekends and vacations. While occasional changes don't have long-term effects, erratic bedtimes can lead to poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation.

In addition to sleep, parents also need to ensure that their children breathe plenty of fresh air during the day and do age-appropriate exercise and physical activity. Some gentle, enjoyable activities and a fixed schedule will be necessary for children to be obedient when it is time to go to bed, have a deep sleep and develop well.
If you have difficulties in taking care of, building a scientific diet and sleep regimen, you can take your child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and advice from qualified doctors. subject.
In addition, in order to prevent diseases that babies often get, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.

Reference source: babycenter.com