Sleep: the Most Nutrient Gift for Preschoolers

Is sleep merely a simple act of replenishing the body's energy? In fact, it profoundly impacts the development of children aged 0 to 6, akin to essential "vitamins" for the body. Understanding the principles of the "golden sleep period" reveals the three major categories of "sleep vitamins" — emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Discover the importance of sleep for children!

Table of Contents

Sleep Vitamin E (Emotional Regulation)

In global research findings, sleep emerges as a significant contributor to the social development of children. Studies suggest that individuals undergoing 'rapid eye movement' during naps demonstrate a tendency to interpret others' expressions more positively upon awakening. This revelation holds paramount importance for a child's social development, underscoring the critical role of understanding facial expressions in interpersonal interactions. As children actively engage with others, the ability to accurately interpret facial cues becomes indispensable, acting as a safeguard against potential misunderstandings or conflicts.

Furthermore, the relaxation of muscle tension during sleep plays a pivotal role in stabilizing a child's emotional well-being. This physiological aspect contributes to the overall emotional resilience of well-rested children, rendering them less susceptible to morning moodiness—a noteworthy insight drawn from both established research and contemporary studies.

Sleep Vitamin B (Body Development)

How does sleep affect children's physical fitness? According to research, the 'growth hormone,' which is responsible for the growth of children's bones, muscles, and cells, is released at its peak from 10 PM to 2 AM. This hormone helps children grow taller and stronger, as well as repair any damage to their tissues. However, if the child is not asleep during this time window, the production of growth hormone will drop significantly.

Therefore, sleep is essential for children's physical health and development. Some of the benefits of sleep for children are:

  • - It boosts their growth and strength.
  • - It replenishes their physical energy and stamina.
  • - It reduces the risk of illness and ensures normal development.
  • - It lowers the chance of obesity and metabolic disorders.

A recent study by the University of Warwick found that children who slept less than the recommended amount had a higher body mass index (BMI) and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The researchers suggested that sleep deprivation may disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to overeating and weight gain.

Another study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that children who slept less than 10 hours per night had a lower immune response to vaccines than those who slept more. The researchers explained that sleep plays a vital role in enhancing the memory of immune cells, which helps them fight off infections more effectively.

Sleep Vitamin C (Cognitive Development)

During sleep, a child’s brain is not only resting but also processing and consolidating the information and experiences acquired throughout the day. Many studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in enhancing children’s learning, memory, and problem-solving skills. Sleep also supports the development of various cognitive functions, such as attention, language, reasoning, and creativity.

Some of the benefits of sleep for cognitive development are:

  1. Boosts attention and focus: Children who get enough sleep are more alert, attentive, and responsive to their environment. They can concentrate better and avoid distractions. A study by Reynaud et al. found that insufficient sleep in preschoolers was associated with lower scores on tests of executive function, which involves planning, organizing, and inhibiting impulses.
  2. Repairs and grows brain cells: Sleep is essential for the maintenance and growth of brain cells, especially in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order cognitive processes. During sleep, the brain clears out toxins and waste products that accumulate during the day. It also produces new neurons and synapses, which are the connections between brain cells. A study by Wang et al. found that children who slept less than nine hours per night had smaller volumes of gray matter in some brain regions involved in attention, memory, and inhibition control, compared to those who slept sufficiently.
  3. Helps the child understand the position of limbs: Sleep also facilitates the development of motor skills and coordination in children. During sleep, the brain activates the somatosensory cortex, which integrates sensory information from different body parts. This helps the child learn how to move and control their limbs. A study by Blumberg et al. found that newborns who experienced limb movements during sleep showed brain activity similar to that of learning, indicating that sleep helps the child map their body and its movements.
  4. Reinforces learning from the day; new skills are acquired: Sleep is a critical period for memory consolidation, which is the process of transferring and stabilizing information from short-term to long-term memory. Sleep also enhances the integration and generalization of knowledge, which allows the child to apply what they learned to new situations. A study by Wilhelm et al. found that preschoolers who napped after learning a new skill performed better on a memory test than those who did not nap, suggesting that sleep helps the child retain and improve their skills.

Conclusion

Sleep is not only a basic need but also a vital source of nourishment for preschoolers. It provides them with essential "vitamins" that support their emotional, physical, and cognitive development. By ensuring that your child gets enough sleep, you are giving them the best gift they can receive: a healthy and happy life.

However, many parents struggle with establishing good sleep habits for their children. They may face challenges such as bedtime resistance, night waking, or early rising. These can affect the quality and quantity of sleep that preschoolers need. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help you overcome these difficulties and create a positive sleep environment for your child.

Some of these strategies include:

  • Setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading, singing, or cuddling
  • Limiting screen time and exposure to blue light before bed
  • Making sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable
  • Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and spicy foods in the evening
  • Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play during the day

By following these tips, you can help your child get the sleep they need and deserve. Remember that sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for preschoolers. It is the most nutrient gift you can offer them.

Reference

  1. Children’s sleep linked to brain development - National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/children-s-sleep-linked-brain-development
  2. Sleep and cognitive development in preschoolers: Stress and autobiographical performance associations - Northwestern Scholars. https://www.scholars.northwestern.edu/en/publications/sleep-and-cognitive-development-in-preschoolers-stress-and-autobi
  3. Sleep and Early Brain Development - Karger Publishers. https://karger.com/anm/article/75/Suppl.%201/44/42656/Sleep-and-Early-Brain-Development
  4. Nutrients | Free Full-Text | The Effects of Nutritional Interventions on the Cognitive Development of Preschool-Age Children: A Systematic ... - MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/532

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