The amazing things sleep does for your child’s development
Why is adequate sleep so important for babies and toddlers?
It’s no secret that there are many schools of thought out there when it comes to “sleep training”. Personally, I don’t think there is a “right” way to do anything when it comes to raising children- the most important thing is to make sure that the child and family feel like they are in the healthiest and happiest environment possible.
That said, there is undeniable research behind the benefits of sleep for children and how crucial it is for their development. Here are some interesting and informative facts about what amazing things happen for your child’s brain and body when they sleep:
Growth hormone is released
Restoring of the body (i.e. physical repair, hormone regulation)
Memory development
Neural connections formed (crucial for learning)
Language and communication milestones met (i.e. uses gestures)
Social and emotional milestones met (i.e. has favorite objects)
Cognitive milestones met (i.e explores objects)
Movement and development milestones met (i.e. sitting, standing, walking)
In fact, with consistent inadequate sleep, children can experience developmental delays, and learning and physical deficits. Pretty amazing, right? The body is incredible, and the brains of our littlest loves need time to rejuvenate after expending so much energy.
Further, just as important as adequate sleep for children is adequate sleep for their caregivers. We’ve all heard remarks made to new parents such as “you’ll never sleep again!”, and “just sleep while the baby sleeps!”. While meant to be lighthearted and playful, they do highlight a general attitude in parenting that I find to be untrue at best and damaging at worst: a parent’s life is completely devoted to their children when they are born and there is shame in trying to put their own needs first once in awhile. Understandably, this can create much anxiety and exhaustion. Children can sense the energy of their caregivers, and if you as a parent are burning the candle at both ends and are constantly running on fumes, this exasperation and anxiety can transfer to your child, creating a vicious cycle that doesn’t lend itself a rested household.
So, what’s the solution?
Adequate parent-support and education. One of my main objectives as a sleep consultant is to meet parents where they are with their child’s sleep and support them to get where they want to be. This is no one-size-fits-all venture- I truly strive to provide individualized and evidenced based support, coaching, and accountability for parents and their children. No one was meant to raise children alone, and I am happy and honored to become part of your village.
