It is nothing new that sleep is fundamental to anyone's health, but it is even more important for babies and children. Sleep allows for the restoration of physical and psychological functions that are essential for their physical and emotional development. It also helps them have a better attitude or behavior, be in a better mood, and be less irritable. Furthermore, it helps improve their learning capacity, language, and memory.
That is why it is so important that we as parents monitor our children's sleep from birth, as sleeping well and for the necessary number of hours benefits their growth and emotional intelligence in the future.
From a young age, we must help them develop good sleep habits by instilling a routine that allows them to have good sleep hygiene. Only in this way will we ensure their healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Why sleep is important for babies and children
If you still have doubts about the importance of sleep, these are just some of the aspects that sleep influences:
- Physical growth. The growth hormone is secreted in greater quantities 1 hour after sleep begins. Children who wake up a lot during the night are at a disadvantage compared to those who sleep soundly for longer periods.
- Emotional development. Sleep is essential for proper emotional, cognitive, and social development. During sleep, proteins and hormones are secreted that help the nervous system mature and promote neuronal development.
- Behavior. Children who sleep well cope better and are less prone to behavioral problems. Tantrums, lack of attention, irritability, hyperactivity… can all 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, and their ease of speaking and ability to assimilate language increase.
- School performance. Frequent awakenings during the night lead to a decrease in children's performance the following day, especially in activities that require concentration and dexterity.
- The immune system and metabolism. Sleep reinforces the innate immune response, the first line of defense against infections. Furthermore, sleeping well prevents metabolic disorders such as childhood obesity and reduces the risk of developing addictions in adolescence.