Paediatricians have warned that sleep deprivation in children could have far-reaching consequences on their physical and mental health.
The child health experts explained that poor sleep among children not only contributes to childhood obesity but also significantly impedes their learning and cognitive development.
The experts stated that the modern lifestyle, characterised by increased screen time and irregular sleep patterns, was a major factor in the widespread issue of sleep deprivation among children.
The child health expert stressed that insufficient sleep could lead to difficulties in concentration, memory problems, and lower academic performance.
A Consultant Paediatrician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Professor Omotayo Adesiyun, outlined how uninterrupted sleep was crucial for healthy brain development and the formation of essential cognitive and behavioural skills in children.
According to the professor of Paediatrics, inadequate sleep has profound implications for children’s growth, development, and overall health.
“Uninterrupted sleep leads to brain development and engaging activities that facilitate thinking, language development and behaviour formation. It helps them to grow physically and attain normal developmental milestones,” she stated.
he don emphasised that the amount of sleep needed varies by age, adding, “The amount of sleep a child needs depends on the age. In the first few months of life, the baby needs a total of about 18 hours of sleep. From about 4 months they need a total of 12 -15 hours;1-2 years old, about 11-14 hours and 3-5 years 10- 13 hours. These are the total including taking naps during the day.”
Adesiyun highlighted the critical role of sleep in the release of growth hormones, which were essential for physical growth.
She noted that sleep deprivation could lead to poor growth, developmental delays, and impaired learning capabilities.
She stressed that the consequences of sleep deprivation extend beyond immediate developmental issues.
According to her, insufficient sleep could lead to unhealthy weight gain, increasing the risk of obesity.
She added, “Sleep is important for children’s brains to develop normally. Sleep helps to consolidate memory which is important for learning.
“When children are asleep, their bodies release growth hormone which is important for the children to grow tall.
“Effects of sleep deprivation in children can be summarised into poor growth, poor development and poor learning, also unhealthy weight gain, it predisposes them to be overweight and obese. They are also at risk of infections.
“Inadequate sleep has also been linked to difficulties in memory, problem-solving and decision-making.”
To combat sleep deprivation, the professor recommended establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
Key steps, she noted, include turning off screens such as computers and televisions at least an hour before bedtime, engaging in calming activities like reading, and maintaining a fixed bedtime.
“A bedtime routine helps signal to children that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep,” she said.
Adesiyun also addressed the challenges parents face, particularly in balancing work and home life.
“Parents may need to make sacrifices, such as choosing flexible work options or hiring a trustworthy caregiver, to ensure their children get adequate sleep,” he advised.
She also suggested creating a comfortable sleep environment and ensuring children have a balanced daily schedule of rest and play.
“The parents will need to decide on the sacrifices to be made for the health of their children. Some couples decide that the mother should stay at home with the children when they are young, or she can engage in a business that is flexible such as an online business.
“If both parents have to be away from the house they might need to have a trustworthy nanny for their children.
“For parents struggling with getting their children to sleep, they should try the suggestions above and check what their children are eating in the evening or night.
“They should avoid anything that contains caffeine as this can keep their children awake. If they still have problems, they should consult their doctor.”
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS
