Four Reasons Why Late Bedtime Is Detrimental To Children

Good quality sleep is just as important as good nutrition for children’s growth and development. While this may seem obvious, many parents do not pay attention to their children’s sleeping habits and thus are not aware that being late for bed would be detrimental to the child.

The modern lifestyle has had a big impact on this. People are sleeping less and less because parents are busy with work and children are busy with school, and people don’t get their eyes off electronic devices.

Most worryingly, many are unaware of the consequences of going to bed late. Skipping or monitoring daydreams may seem like harmless things, but in reality, they have negative effects that can last a lifetime.

Why is being late for bed so harmful? How can this be changed?

Since many parents pay little attention to the issue, we decided to tell you about the biggest risks of going to bed late, as well as some tips to correct your child’s sleep rhythm.

Why is it important for children to sleep well?

Before looking more closely at the consequences of going to bed late, it is important to remember why children should get enough sleep. Even if some children do not agree to go to bed on time, it is more important than it may seem.

A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to maintain energy levels. Sleep recharges the “batteries” of the brain so that our mental performance is in the best possible mood during the day. The child’s mind stays fresh and calm after a good night’s sleep.

Sleep also affects physical abilities. As you rest, your muscles are relieved of the stress of the day and preparing to take on new challenges. This is, of course, key to children’s schooling and sports activities.

What does healthy sleep mean?

Healthy sleep includes not only going to bed early, but also the following:

• Adequate sleep (about 10 hours a night, however, depending on the age of the child)
• Uninterrupted sleep
• Nap
• A sleep schedule that follows the child’s circadian rhythm (internal biological clock)

If any of the above is incorrect, it can trigger sleep symptoms. The good news is that there are several ways to make it easier to follow a good sleep rhythm.

Reasons why being late for bed is harmful to children

One of the biggest challenges for parents is getting their children to bed on time. Because children have so many distractions, they wouldn’t want to go to sleep at all.

If left unaddressed, the problem may be detrimental to children’s development and growth. Poor sleep can be the cause of many problems in the future.

1. Causes concentration

Poor sleep quality has negative effects on children’s mental health. Too little sleep causes the child’s mind not to be alert enough and has difficulty concentrating on his or her trees.

Poor night’s sleep is the most common cause of difficulty concentrating at school. This can make the child less active and lazy.

2. Causes drowsiness

Late bedtime may be the cause of daytime fatigue. Inadequate sleep intake (less than 10 or 12 hours a night, depending on age) makes the child tired and sleepy throughout the day.

3. Causes exhaustion

Drowsiness goes hand in hand with exhaustion. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, this is not just an adult problem. Children also suffer from weakness and exhaustion caused by poor night’s sleep.

Children can also drift into a “hyperactive” state, which can cause even more severe sleep disorders. This condition, for example, increases the secretion of adrenaline, which keeps the brain awake.

4. Increase the risk of obesity

According to one study, poor sleeping habits may increase the risk of childhood obesity. The study collected data from 29 different studies in 16 different countries.

According to the study, late bedtime or interrupted sleep may be risk factors for obesity.

How to improve a child’s sleeping habits

Parents should understand that children not only grow out of themselves with their bad sleeping habits, but need help to solve the problem. Start watching your children’s sleep rhythm and keep in mind that children should go to bed in the evening between half past eight and half past nine. The whole family should be involved in this. It is easier for children to understand the need for rest when they see their parents and siblings going to bed on time.

And for sleep to be uninterrupted, they should sleep in rooms that are free of distractions such as TVs, computers and tablets.