Sleep is essential, however it is among the first things we take off our “to do” checklist. We all need to reconsider making sleep a priority, given it affects every area of our lives. It is important for us to lead by example for our children. A child getting the right amount of rest is essential for their healthy development.
A recent UCLA study found that we may be putting on weight by not getting enough sleep. Scientists found that not getting enough sleep, affects the amount of ghrelin. This is the hormone that helps you with appetite control. So if you don’t get enough sleep, you have lower levels of ghrelin, and that means you will be hungrier the very next day.
As parents we want all the brain power we are able to get and getting the right amount of sleep does just that. Whenever you don’t get enough sleep, proteins increase in your head, that’s where you get that fuzzy feeling.
So how does lack of sleep affect our children, well much like it affects us. Youngsters who do not get enough sleep are more likely to have or develop weight issues. A Harvard medical study found that toddlers who slept below 12 hours each day were two times as likely to end up overweight by age three.
Children who receive the ideal amount of rest are generally happier and have sharper minds. Kids who do not get enough sleep seem to have difficulty focusing, making it harder for them to learn. Allow your children to sleep in on the weekends. This can help them catch up on essential sleep.
Kids will be kids; there is no getting around that. Every child will almost certainly have their share of bumps and bruises, however, we can minimize these occurrences by making sure our children get enough rest. Well rested children are able to think more clearly and steer clear of making careless mistakes which can lead to injury.
So for both our children and us adults, it is essential that we get enough sleep every single night. As parents, we really need to lead by example when it comes to getting enough sleep. Begin tonight in making sure everyone in your family gets the sleep they need (Even though this may be easier said than done, as we know from personal experience!