Are Your Kids Getting Enough Sleep in Dulles & Loudon County, VA?

Just like food and shelter, sleep is a basic life necessity.  In fact, many of us often don’t realize just how important sleep is until we don’t get enough.  When that happens, you may feel run down, unable to focus, or irritable the next day. Or maybe just plain ol’ physically run down and not able to perform at your best.

Well, it’s even more important for children to get a good night’s sleep, especially as it affects their learning and development.

While the amount of sleep every child needs depends on many factors, here are some general guidelines by age:

• 1 – 4 weeks olds require 15 to 16 hours of sleep a day, naps making up a good amount.
• 1 – 12 month olds should be getting 14 to 15 hours of sleep.
• 1 – 3 year olds typically need 12 to 14 hours a day.
• 3 – 6 year olds require 10 to 12 hours a day, which might include a nap for most 3 year olds.
• 7 – 12 year olds should be getting a solid 10 to 11 hours of sleep.
• And 12 – 18 year olds typically require 8 to 9 hours.

So how can you ensure that your child is well rested and getting the right amount of Z’s? Here are a few tips.

Set good sleep habits from the start. Establish bedtime routine with babies that you can maintain with age appropriate modifications as they get older. Keep bedtimes consistent, but remember:  as children get older, their natural sleep cycles shift. A dropped nap might require an earlier bedtime, for example.

Pay attention to cues. A baby might rub her eyes, an older child might become irritable. Taking note paying attention to when these symptoms most often occur can help you set the appropriate bedtime.

Limit screen time before bed. Televisions and video games stimulate the brain and might make it difficult for a child to settle down. Turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before bed.

Create a calming and comfortable sleep environment. For a younger child it might mean a white noise machine and right-reducing window coverings. For an older child it might be the telling of a bedtime story. For a teen, perhaps some soft music or a book. Pay attention to home comfort as well. A bedroom that is too warm or too cold can make it difficult to sleep soundly.

This family-friendly advice is brought to you by Your 1 Plumber:  The Only One You’ll Ever Need.