No one is denying how important sleep is to us, but how deep you really understand sleep? Learn the science behind your kids sleep.
Despite that fact that we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, it’s peculiar that we usually have a vague idea what it is. Interesting right? Sleep is an activity that we do when we aren’t awake and also one of life’s hard to explain mysteries.
One common issue with students, who lacks sleep, correlates to school problems such as loss of focus, and attention deficiencies. And it’s been proven to pose a major health problem with such deprivation.
Ok then let’s talk more about the science of sleep, and how it affects us.
Sleep what it is?
Sleep is the ultimate human recharger. During sleep, our body rejuvenates from the day’s wear and tear getting prepared for another day of battle. While sleeping, our brain controls the right level of sugar in our blood, regulates metabolism and hormones. Sleep also boost the immune system and reduces the risk of hypertension.
Not to mention a good night’s sleep also enriches our psychological well-being. Our focus and ability to do the critical decision making significantly result in a more positive way when we aren’t sleep deprived, Memory is enhanced.
What happens when we sleep?
Some people might still be surprised to know, that when we are sleeping our brain still functions and works, it process information collected and form them into memories.
While keeping us alive by, still regulating breathing pattern and other vital functions needed to live.
Four Stage of Sleep
Non-Rapid eye movement (NREM –N1): A light sleep that usually occurs in a few minutes
Non-Rapid eye movement (NREM – N2): This is where our body relaxes and prepares to go on N3
Non-Rapid eye movement (NREM –N3): At this stage, our brain waves slow down and sets the body to enter deep sleep (at this point it’s not easy to wake someone up)
Rapid eye movement (REM): And finally the last stage, called REM or R sleep, at this stage, the brain activity shoots up! Eyes usually are closed but they do flicker back and forth. This is the stage were vivid dreams usually occurs and yes! Even nightmares happen at this stage
The peculiar thing is our body does undergo a cycle of this pattern a couple of times while sleeping. The younger someone sleeps the shorter the cycles usually last.
A not so happy sleep at night
Meanwhile, our little ones sometimes don’t sleep through the four cycles.
A common sleep problem is Insomnia, the inability to fall or stay asleep.
What causes Insomnia? Well, scientist says it has a variety of reason why people suffer from this disorder.
Other Types of Sleeping Disorders
- Narcolepsy
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Nightmares
- Sleep terrors
- Sleepwalking
- Confusional arousals
- Parasomnias
This list can go on as there’s a lot more, sleep disorder. It is such a deep subject that trying to determine this underlying issues isn’t always as factual as it should be. And such disorders could be affecting your precious kids currently.
But for most, especially with toddlers to growing teens, sleep problems can also just be a part of their growth. And there are abundant of ways to help and improve your kids sleeping.
Stick around and will show you how.
How to Improve Sleep
Establish a consistent arrangement of Going to Bed
Being consistent with your set pattern is critical as it also does promote a good routine of healthy sleeping habits. You have to remember kid’s needs a lot of sleep. And this needs to be on a consistent basis.
Create a Relaxing Bedroom Environment
Kids need a lot of sleep and having a comfortable and relaxing bedroom really does help a lot. One proven way is to give them great beddings, one good way is the use of a latex mattress for them. Choosing the best mattress to your kids really does improve their sleep as kids easily drift off to sleep and take note they stay asleep with just by this materials comfort.
Consider Naptime Wisely
As taught in our number 1 list, being able to have a consistent pattern will surely minimize the issues of sleep. Nap isn’t necessarily bad but you should nap only when need and also follow a certain time pattern so it wouldn’t interrupt with the normal sleep at night.
One good suggestion is to stay away with naps when the nighttime sleep is already near.
Start Pacifying Pre-Bedtime Routines
At this advent of technology, gadgets, tv shows, computers are everywhere and easily accessed. But experts suggest that we should minimize the use of this before sleeping as they do stimulate our brain to wake up and thus, interrupts a good sleeping pattern.
Reading books, cuddling with your kids, soaking to a warm bath, or listening to calming music and just talking to your kids or your spouse could be a healthier choice, plus it does bond you better after a day of work.
Encourage Them To Exercise
Have you noticed if your child went to an active day like playing in the park or if they did biking they usually sleep well at night? Studies suggest that kids from ages of 6 to 18 that an hour of exercise a day produces great results, in stimulating the kid’s brain, improves mood and guess what? A better quality of sleep.
Conclusion
As you can see, sleep is vital to everyone, especially to your child’s developing mind and body. Achieving goodnight sleep isn’t that difficult thing that’s can help such as promoting healthier activities, to the better sleeping pattern, and even simply having a comfortable bedroom coupled with the best latex mattress could significantly reduce your kids sleepless nights. Now armed with this tips its high time for you to start caring more for your little buddies…
Actually, it can work with you too… Have a good ZZZ….