The Importance of Adequate Sleep

Posted by Susan Epstein on September 20th, 2010 at 05:26pm

baby toddler asleep with teddy bear

The study adds to an existing body of evidence suggesting that sleep plays an important role in weight regulation, perhaps because tired children are not as active or because sleep affects hormones that influence hunger and appetite, said the paper’s lead author, Janice F. Bell, an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle.” (New York Times, 9/6/10)

“What we’re saying is that adequate sleep at age 0 to 5 is probably more important than we think,” Dr. Bell said, adding that the good news is that “it’s a modifiable risk factor — it’s something we can change.”

So, how do we get kids sleeping more?

Think back to your own childhood…how much time did you spend outdoors?

I grew up in the sixties in New England. The winters were brrrr! And the springs were rainy…lots of rain. We played for hours in the snow and we didn’t have waterproof mittens, either. I still remember banging on the door asking for a dry pair because the pair I was wearing was completely frozen with icicles hanging off!

By the age of 10 I had my own paper route. The papers were delivered at 4:30PM, 7 days a week 365 days a year. I did this for 4 years on foot! I saved every penny, banked it and made a whopping $400! And guess what, I walked the route in all weather.

My point is, the outdoors was a huge part of my universe. It was good for me and good for my mom. (She got things done and got a break from the kids!)

But sadly, the world has changed and parents are afraid to let children roam unsupervised (They might get snatched!) Or maybe your neighbors will judge you! “That parent doesn’t supervise her children!”

In 2005 the Manufactures of Persil washing powder did a survey…called “Dirt is good”.

’33 things your child should do before the age of 10.’

Here are some of them: (I chose the ones I did..did you? your kids?)

Roll down a grassy bank
Make a mud pie
Catch frogs
Build a sand castle
Climb a tree
Make snow angels
Take part in a scavenger hunt
Camp out in the yard
Feed a farm animal
Find some worms
Ride a bike through a muddy puddle
Make and fly a kite
Find 10 different leaves
Plant a tree

These activities don’t cost a cent, give plenty of fresh air and kids get tired which helps kids sleep lots of hours. According to the studies, kids who sleep more are less likely to have a weight problem. This is a wonderful start to a full, active healthy life that you can provide your children.