Sleep enhances cognitive functioning and influences moods. Having enough sleep contributes to a more positive mood. When the brain lacks the sleep it needs brain systems become out of balance.Children's (and adult) brains become more easily agitated when sleep deprived.
Holiday activities can be affected by lack of sleep. Here are a few tips to help ensure your family is getting enough of the quality sleep your brains need to keep everyone happier:
- Begin holiday activities after everyone has had enough sleep.
- Plan festivities and shopping times before or after children's nap times or before bedtimes.
- Do all you can to keep bedtimes and bedtime routines as consistent as possible.
- Provide calm activities like reading a book, giving a massage, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music as part of the bedtime routine.
- Eliminate watching television or using other electronics with bright lights prior to bedtime routines.
- Provide "brain calming" foods as a bedtime snack such as warm milk, a banana, toast with almond butter, or oatmeal with a bit of peanut butter added.
Ironically my daughter sent me this article with very helpful information on sleep pattern issues in babies as I was writing this blog.
If you are looking for resources to help promote sleep, Lori Lite developer of Stress Free Kids provides Music CDs for Relaxation
The Average Amount of Sleep Needed
| Newborns (0-2 months) | 12 - 18 |
| Infants (3 months to 1 year) | 14 - 15 |
| Toddlers (1 to 3 years) | 12 - 14 |
| Preschoolers (3 to 5 years) | 11 - 13 |
| School-aged children (5 to 12 years) | 10 - 11 |
| Teens and preteens (12 to 18 years) | 8.5 - 10 |
| Adults (18+) | 7.5 - 9 |
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