How well does your budding super star sleep? This week’s e mail is all about this very point, we are sure it will not be news to you as a parent that if your child does not get enough sleep, research shows they are more likely to be:
overweight or obese, because they will crave sugary or starchy food for energy during the day
irritable
lack concentration
grumpy or unhappy
Sleeping well is often overlooked, yet it is an essential part of keeping healthy and being ready for sport. Not only does it give us energy, sleep helps our brains run more efficiently, helps us learn new things, keep calm under stress and be creative (Webb, 2016). Research shows that night time sleep is just as important as healthy eating and exercise for a child’s development.
How much sleep does my child need? (NHS, 2017)
Age
Sleep Time at Night
7
10 hours 30 minutes
8
10 hours 15 minutes
9
10 hours
10
9 hours 45 minutes
11
9 hours 30 minutes
12
9 hours 15 minutes
Top Tips for Top Sleeping (children and parents)
Keep a regular bedtime
Find a routine that works for your child and you – and stick to it
Avoid screens in the bedroom
Allow time to wind down; try a warm bath or cup of warm milk to relax your child before bed
