At the end of each day, both adults and children naturally enter a state of un-conscious rest. Sleep is the time when the brain clears out waste, resets itself, and prepares the body for a new day. For children, sleep is even more important because it supports both mental and physical development. No one starts the day well without proper rest.
Although we think the body is “resting,” sleep is actually a very active time. Many essential processes happen only during sleep. The body heals itself, energy stores are replenished, and the brain organizes memories and new learning. Children who sleep well can process and remember information more effectively.
However, the use of electronic devices before bedtime delays sleep. Screens reduce the production of melatonin - the hormone that regulates our internal clock - making children less alert the next morning. Ensuring that children get enough sleep is crucial for healthy development. Younger children need more sleep, and the requirement gradually decreases as they grow older.
Research shows that sleep impacts a wide range of behaviours, including alert-ness, attention, cognitive performance, mood, learning ability, and even weight management. Common sleep issues in children include nightmares, night terrors, insomnia, and parasomnias such as sleep talking and sleepwalking. Some of these conditions may have genetic links. Treatment usually depends on the underlying causes of the sleep disorder. Lack of sleep can also weaken a child's immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections like colds and flu, and sometimes reducing their response to vaccinations.
Busy family schedules can make routines difficult, but consistent sleep habits are essential. Setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time helps ensure adequate rest. Simple bedtime practices such as storytelling or quiet reading can help children transition smoothly into sleep. Without the recommended amount of sleep, children may show poor behaviour, irritability, emotional instability, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing. In contrast, a well-rested child is calmer, more attentive, and better able to engage in positive social interactions.
Sleep also plays a major role in learning. Children consolidate new information while they sleep. The importance of sleep is often underestimated, and its connection to behaviour, cognition, and overall health is sometimes overlooked. Many parents wonder whether sleep helps children grow taller. While more sleep does not guarantee extra height, long-term sleep deprivation can affect growth because growth hormone is mainly released during deep sleep. If a child continuously lacks sleep, growth hormone production may be suppressed. For optimal growth hormone release - especially around midnight - children must already be in deep sleep.
As parents, we hope our children grow healthy, confident, and capable of exploring the world. Sleep is the “golden chain” that holds health and wellbeing together. As the saying goes, “The night is the mother of thoughts.” A good night’s sleep prepares the mind for sharper thinking and strengthens emotional balance. A well-rested child learns that if they cannot do the small things right, they cannot do the big things right either. The future truly belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams - and sleep is what helps those dreams grow.
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