A Sacred Journey Called Parenting
- A Sacred Journey Called Parenting
- Mental Health &Sleep
- How Many Hours is Optimal by Age
- The Effects on Emotional Health
Mental Health &Sleep
There’s no doubt that parenting is a sacred journey. It’s full of ups and downs, laughter and tears, and moments of pure joy. But one thing that often gets overlooked is how sleep schedules affect our child’s emotional health.
Believe it or not, getting enough nighttime slumber is crucial for optimal brain functioning and can help prevent conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety from developing. So please join me as I explore the link between sleep and children’s emotional health.
How Many Hours is Optimal by Age
Experts generally agree that newborns need between 12 and 16 hours in a 24 hour period. Spread this out over several naps during the day and one long stretch at night.
Toddlers between the ages of one and two typically need around 11 to 14 hours each day. Once again, break this up into two naps during the day and one longer block at night.
Most children between the ages of 3 and 5 need between 10 and 13 hours. Break this down into one to two naps during the day and one more extended block at night.
School-aged children between 6 and 12 need around 9 to 12 hours. Teenagers between 13 and 18 need around 8 to 10 hours per night.
Adults should strive to attain around 6 to 8 hours and should never have more than 9 hours. Sleeping less than six hours does not allow the body or psyche the needed energy to engage effectively in the next day’s tasks. If you slumber more than nine hours, it will negatively affect your circadian rhythm. It does not allow one to get the required sunlight, exertion of energy, and life experiences needed to create a healthy balance in life.
As you can see, there are some general guidelines regarding how much rest we need by age. But remember that every child is different; some may need more or less sleep than others. The best way to find out what works for your child is to experiment until you find a schedule that seems to work well for them.
The Effects on Emotional Health
Many studies have shown a link between our nighttime habits and the emotional health of children. One study found that children with ADHD were more likely to have more sleep problems than those without the condition. Another study showed that insomnia increases the risk of developing depression. And yet another study found that poor sleep was associated with anxiety in children.
There is a strong connection between our slumber habits and emotional health in kids. If your child is having trouble sleeping, it’s essential to talk to their doctor. Many different treatment options are available, including behavioral therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques. With the help of a professional, you can find a solution that will work for your child and help them get the rest they need.
Parenting is a sacred journey that comes with many challenges. But by understanding the importance of our child’s slumber habits, you can help your child stay healthy and happy. I hope you found this information helpful! If you have any questions or want to learn more about sleep and child’s mental health, please get in touch with me in the audio link below to ask your question. Please note that by doing so, your question may be the topic of our next podcast. Thanks for listening!
With Blessings my friends. May your sacred journey unfold before you as you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
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