www.sleepforkids.org/
Nearly every week we can find an article on the importance of sleep, but it makes us wonder how much we (parents and professionals) are doing to make sure that children benefit from a complete night's rest. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of adults don't get enough sleep, and this number is the same for children.
A good night's rest is necessary for good mental health and good physical health. Sleep deprivation means lower levels of the neuropeptide serotonin, and lower levels of serotonin are associated with depression, OCD, eating disorders, aggression, and other problems. Chronic sleep deprivation is also associated with many types of physical problems, and may even play a factor in longevity. Every teacher is familiar with the effects of sleep deprivation on learning, including inattentiveness, irritability, and impulsivity.
Yet in spite of the important role that sleep plays in our children's lives, how much time do we take in teaching kids about the benefits of a good night's sleep? There is help in making this part of every child's mental health education. You can find help at a great website provided by the National Sleep Foundation found at:
www.sleepforkids.org. On this site you'll find lots of good information including fun games for kids to play. There is great information for adults, too.
If you are concerned about child's health and well-being, you need to make sleep education a part of his or her education.
