Why Sleep is Important for Children?

Sleep is extra important for young children because it helps their bodies and brains grow.

Pre-school age children should get between 12-14 hours a night.

Sleep helps children to:

• focus and concentrate

• learn better

• stay healthy because their immune system is stronger

• manage their weight

• be more coordinated and have less accidents

• regulate themselves and their behaviour better - they are less hyperactive

• to not feel anxious

TASK: How do you feel when you don't have a good sleep? Write down your answers. How do you feel when you have had a great sleep? Write down your answers. Can you see any similarities between how you feel when you have not had a good sleep and how the children sometimes feel when they are tired? Discuss this with your mum or your coach.

See the next blog about Sleep, Rest and Relaxation at Child Care to read more about the importance of sleep.