Putting toddlers to bed is an arduous task with their mysterious ability to repel sleep. Moreover, given their packed schedule, as they grow up, with homework, extra-curricular activities or projects, and playtime, they have lesser time to take a nap in between. Add their love to electronic devices such as video games, smartphones, and TV to that busy schedule. And you create the classic equation causing symptoms of sleep deprivation in kids.
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| Consider symptoms of sleep deprivation in kids |
If you also notice that your kid is being slow while getting up in the
morning or showing a brief attention span, it is time to check if your child is
suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. The sooner you identify the symptoms
of sleep deprivation; the earlier you can help them fix their sleep cycle and
get enough restorative rest.
How Much Sleep is Adequate for the Toddlers and Growing Kids?
Studies suggest that toddlers require at least 11 to 14 hours of sound
sleep every day to stay active and attentive. While kids of age up to 5 years
need to have more than 10 hours of sleep, the sufficient sleep duration is 9 to
12 hours for kids of 6 to 12 years.
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| Adequate Sleep for kids is important. |
Reasons for Lack of Sleep in Kids
Getting them to bed and down to sleep can be strenuous for the
parents. Sometimes, the reasons for toddlers not being willing to go to bed can be
physical. For example, your child may have a difficult time sleeping if he/she
is teething or experiencing growth spurts.
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Even the slightest physical discomfort can make them uncomfortable and restless nights. Other times, the reasons to fight sleep can be psychological. Some reasons for lack of sleep can be-
Separation anxiety
Traveling
Disturbed family atmosphere
Overtiredness
Over energetic
Lack of consistent sleep routine
Such interruptions to sleep, whether physical or physiological, can
cause various symptoms of sleep deprivation in kids.
How to Identify Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Kids?
The earlier symptoms of sleep deprivation in kids appear as behavioral
changes. Some children throw tantrums and turn clingy. Others cry a lot, reject
food or drinks, and pump fists. Have you ever noticed a complete meltdown in
your kid when you least expect it?
If you have observed any such behavior problems, your kid is likely
craving more restful nights. Sleep-deprived children feel dizzy most of the
time. They may show up that need for more sleep and restorative rest in the
form of out-of-the-blue battles with their siblings or a burst of energy right
before bedtime.
As parents, we should understand that our toddlers are too young to
articulate that they are tired or admit the same in any way. Therefore, check
for one or all of the following symptoms to figure out if your kid is
sleep-deprived:
● Does your kid wake up groggy or need to be
woken up multiple times?
● Is your kid turning cranky or whiny later in
the day regularly?
● Does your kid display any hyperactive
behavior?
● Is your kid unable to speak out his/her mind?
● Does your kid want to take a nap in the middle
of the day?
● Does your kid fall asleep during
short-distance car rides?
● Is your kid not taking interest or showing a
lack of attentiveness?
● Does your kid have trouble falling asleep?
Grown-up kids who are sleep-deprived often find it challenging to get
up in the morning. They experience sudden mood swings, feel unmotivated, and
have trouble concentrating.
Some of them also face academic issues and appear chronically late for
school. Sometimes the sleep-deprived kids turn hyperactive or act aggressively.
If your kid seems confused or nervous, it is probably the lack of sleep
stealing their attention and alertness.
Chronic sleep deprivation can cause severe health issues in children,
from obesity and suppressed immunity to mood swings and cognitive problems.
Therefore, be more vigilant in enforcing their bedtime routines.
To further know about good sleep for kids and ways to ensure the same, check out this informative post-
Benefits of Good Sleep for kids and Effective Ways to Ensure the same
This is something I worry about with my toddler because he resists sleep with every fiber of his being
ReplyDeleteMy 3 yr old has a really hard time going to sleep...between winter, the pandemic and a new baby it’s been hard. Hoping it will improve with time!
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved gettingmy toddler to sleep a little extra early when she was little - it made all the difference for everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. I have a little one who goes to sleep easy enough but seems to be having lots of nightmares. Something we’re looking into
ReplyDelete