Toddlers need 12 to 14 hours of sleep
Date :
Monday, May 24 2010
Source:
Autourina Mains
Now that your baby has grown in to a toddler, you have probably notices that she/he does not require as much sleep. Toddlers require 12-14 hours of sleep per day which includes naps. Adequate sleep is essential to proper growth and development of your toddler. Toddlers that are not getting enough sleep are tired, groggy and are less alert.
We know that being alert is a key factor to optimal learning. Research has shown the multiple benefits of napping and getting a good night’s sleep. Toddlers are on the go all day long, and they are learning from the moment they open their eyes to the moment they go to sleep. Even while they are sleeping, their brain is working on categorization, problem solving and filing all the information they have gained throughout the day. Some researchers have linked lack of adequate sleep during early years of life to permanent changes to the child’s brain structure.
Affects of lack of sleep has been researched extensively and newer technologies like MRI show a link between lack of sleep and lower synaptic connection which is vital for encoding memory. When toddlers are well rested, they:
- Are more socially pleasant
- Are alert and ready to learn, absorb and retain new information (increase memory)
- Exhibit fewer behavior outburst
- Have better appetite
- Have easier time concentrating, staying on task and completing tasks (like puzzles or games), rather than moving from one incomplete task to another
- Are healthier and physically stronger….adequate sleep has been linked to stronger muscular and skeleton system as well as stronger immune system
A most recent study has even linked inadequate sleep to childhood obesity, so put your toddler on a consistent sleep schedule. Don’t underestimate midday naps and remember your toddler truly needs naps every day. Even adults could benefit from a short daily nap. I am very much a morning person and typically get up around 5:00 am. Mornings are the time of day I am most alert and most productive. By around 3:00 pm I need a short nap of about 15 minutes to rejuvenate me. Once I have had my afternoon nap, I am ready to give one hundred percent again. I imagine many adults are the same, but few value a short midday nap. When my children were little, we took a nap every day. After the lunch cleanup, they each chose a couple of books we read and fell asleep to. They slept a couple of hours and I enjoyed a 20-30 minute nap. When they got up from their nap, I made a special treat of their choice and they were ready to play and learn. So, don’t feel guilty about lying down with your toddler for a short midday nap. You too will benefit from the rest and you’re helping your toddler learn healthy sleeping habits. We need to have a balance lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, activity and ample sleep.