Sleep Deprivation in Children | The Bed King

Sleep Deprivation in Children

Sleep deprivation affects children differently compared to adults, instead of getting sleepier, children ‘speed up’ and instead of wanting to sleep, they begin to show signs of irritability, moodiness and tantrums.

Lack of Sleep in Children

Various statistics from research suggest that sleep loss in children have a knock on effect in all areas of school, behaviour, emotions and cognitive abilities.

Today’s children are over stimulated and overscheduled, resulting in what you can call a ‘sleep deficiency’. Children from pre-kindergarten to high school get about an hour less sleep each night than they did thirty years ago.

This state of sleep deficiency sets cognitive abilities back years, affecting academic performance, emotional stability and increasing the rise of obesity and ADHD.

What Causes Sleep Problems in Children?

If you are reading this, then most likely you are searching for triggers or causes as to why your child may not be sleeping. Identify stimulants in the bedroom, excessive workloads, sleep habits and your child’s diet, and gain valuable insight as to what the causes of sleep deprivation could be.

• Too many stimulants in your child’s bedroom can prevent your child from falling asleep. Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and comfortable, void of TV, video games and computers.
• Avoid stimulants such as sugar, fizzy drinks, and instead try soothing camomile tea and a nutritious diet. Certain foods consumed at night induce sleep more compared to others.
• Stress, excessive workloads at school or problems at school can make falling asleep difficult for your child. Identify the problem, and if stress or workload related, find suitable relaxation or communication techniques that help you and your child deal with the situation, unwind and switch off.
• Frequent waking at night has a knock on affect, resulting in increased tiredness during the day. Losing just an hour’s sleep can have noticeable effects on your child’s mental performance.
• Lax bedtimes can have exponential impact on your child. Children’s brains work in progress, with much of the work done during sleep. Establish a sleep ritual and stick to it every night of the week.
• Refusal to go sleep robs your child of valuable sleep. Scientific evidence shows adequate sleep is just as important as healthy eating and regular exercise for your child to develop.
• Separation anxiety is another major cause of sleep deprivation in children, with the anxiety playing on your child’s emotions and mind, this filters into their sleep resulting in crying, frequent waking and nightmares.

The Impact of a Single Lost Hour

Scientists theorise that sleep problems during formative years can cause a permanent change in your child’s brain structure. Research has proven that just an hour’s loss of sleep a night can cause a tired sixth grader to perform to the same levels as a fourth grader.

“A loss of one hour’s sleep is equivalent to (the loss of) two years of cognitive maturation and development,” explains researcher Sadah. [1] Tired children have difficulty remembering what they’ve learned, they have difficulty with impulse control and tired brains get hooked on wrong answers and suffocate creative solutions.

Selected statistics show that sleep loss causes:

• Schooling problems, poor concentration and naughtiness
• Temper tantrums and over reacting to the slightest provocation
• Chronically sleep deprived teenagers show problems with impulse control, which lead to risk taking behaviours
• Increased disorders such as depression and ADHD
• Moodiness and binge eating
• And reluctance to get out of bed in the morning due to grogginess upon waking and tiredness

Pre-primary school children should be getting 11-13 hours, primary school children and teenagers on average 9-10 hours. Increasing sleep by thirty minutes can dramatically improve school performance.

Improve Your Child’s IQ

“Sleep deprivation can impair your child’s IQ as much as lead exposure,” says Dr Moneque LeBourgeois. [2] And it can have a negative affect on health too!

Install the following sleep suggestions and start making a difference to your child’s future.

Sleep Suggestions

• Get into the habit of getting your child into bed earlier each night, making sure to follow the same routine every night. Consistency is key!
• Ensure the bedroom is quiet and comfortable, void of any distractions. Make it a place of sleep and tranquillity
• Avoid high energy activities before bedtime
• Follow a regular bedtime routine, starting with a warm bath, story or relaxing activity
• Follow a nutritious diet, staying clear of caffeinated drinks and sugary food.
• If your child has difficulty falling asleep, go to bed sooner than the actual bedtime.

Children that get adequate sleep and follow a structured sleep routine show reduced daytime sleepiness, increased performance, higher grades and reduced negative feelings. If you have concerns, speak to your child’s paediatrician and follow through until you are satisfied with the answer.

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