A recent survey published revealed that children from kindergarten to the fourth grade weren't getting as much sleep as their parents believed. Many children said they had trouble falling asleep or woke up several times in the middle of the night. Parents were apparently unaware of the problem.
Infants and toddlers also suffer from sleep problems, but with the closer association with parents at this younger age, these disorders are usually recognized. However, once children reach the more independent school years, they are not so open to discussing how they sleep with parents. Neither are they as closely monitored.
Sleep deprivation also is a problem for higher grades, on into high school and college, and may even escalate as age and responsibilities grow. With studying, school extracurricular activities and a heavy social life, little time is left for that all important sleep. Because of this, students may doze in class, be less attentive and find their grades dropping.
University students often have the added burden of having to work a part time job to help finance their education. Add that to the extra weight of studies, and you have a prime case of sleep deprivation about to develop.
Often the shorter sleep hours are unavoidable, but students should also keep in mind the importance of sleep. Sleep gives the body a chance to renew itself, to repair the wear and tear of daily living. A good night's sleep is as important as a nutritional diet and adequate exercise. Unfortunately, all three of these things are sometimes lacking for many students.
If a parent believes a child may not be getting adequate sleep, there are signs to watch for.
- Irritability
- Overly emotional
- More susceptible to colds and other illnesses
- Falls asleep in front of the TV during a favorite show
- Wants to sleep until noon on days when there is no school
- Hard to get up on school mornings
