The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is when our bodies repair and replenish. It is very important for a baby’s growth and brain development, general development and healthy immune system.

The amount of sleep a baby or child has will affect his mood, alertness and ability to concentrate and participate in his environment.

Quality sleep is as important to a baby as the nourishment he gets. In adults sleep is important for keeping hearts healthy, reducing stress, feeling more active, boosting memory, helping body to replenish, reducing risk of depression and making us more productive.

The Affects of Sleep Deprivation

Did you know that sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture in some countries? That is how horrific it feels to be seriously sleep deprived! I have been in that state and I would not wish it upon anybody.

Some of the first signs of sleep deprivation are irritability, moodiness and disinhibition. Sleep deprived mothers often feel overwhelmed, short tempered and depressed.

Sleep deprivation is a huge contributor to road traffic accidents and interferes with the learning ability of school children due to poor concentration.

Myths and Misconceptions

“They are all different – My child just doesn’t need as much sleep”
An extreme minority of children can function perfectly well on a below average amount of sleep and in fact, 95% of children need the recommended average sleep for their age/weight.

“If I keep my child awake during the day, he will sleep better at night”
In actual fact an overtired child is more likely to wake earlier and have night wakings than a well rested child. Sleep begets sleep. If you miss your child sleep windows he is more likely to resist sleep when you do try to put him down.

Addressing It Early

“Babies are adaptable and can sleep on the go and work around my ‘out & about’ schedule”

You wouldn’t be on my website if you didn’t want your child to sleep well and you will need to commit to a flexible routine in order to acheive good sleep habits. So you will have to work around your baby to some extent. It is a short term pain for a long term gain!

“Sleepless nights are just part of being a parent. You have to grin and bear it until it passes”

This is not true and in fact, by ignoring poor sleep habits and not addressing them early on, you are allowing your child to set up potenial poor sleep habits for life.