Why Early Bedtime?
As a sleep consultant, I often emphasize the significance of early bedtimes for children. Many parents wonder why it’s so crucial to get their little ones to bed early and how it impacts their overall well-being. The bottom line is there are so many benefits to an early bedtime and essential to health, development and mood!
Little ones require significantly more sleep than adults to support their rapid growth and development. They are forever changing. An early bedtime helps ensure they get the recommended hours of sleep they need to help them thrive. It is recommended the children between the ages of 1and 2 need approximately 11-14 hours of combined daytime and nighttime sleep. By setting an early bedtime, it gives your child the opportunity to get a large amount of consolidated nighttime sleep.
Sleep plays a crucial role in brain development, particularly for young children. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and strengthens neural connections. An early bedtime, (usually between 6:30 pm and 8:30pm) allows for more high-quality sleep, which is important for your little one's cognitive development, learning, and emotional regulation. Think about how much better we as adults are able to function when we are well rested! During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormones essential for physical development. This stage of sleep is also when the immune system is most active, fighting off infections and illnesses. Getting the proper amount of sleep helps support their growth and immune system, which can be especially beneficial during cold & flu season! It’s amazing how busy our bodies are while we sleep!
Getting a good night’s sleep is also closely linked to emotional stability and behaviour. I know how much lack of sleep can impact my overall mood, and I am not the most fun person to be around when I am overtired. Children who go to bed early and get enough rest are generally happier, more cooperative, and better able to manage their emotions. Whereas sleep-deprived children (heck, humans in general!) can often seem more irritable, hyperactive and have a difficult time concentrating. An consistent routine and early bedtime can help support your child’s mood, as well as your own.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is so, so beneficial for children. Predictability and structure provide a sense of security, helping children feel more relaxed and ready for sleep as they learn what step comes next. An early bedtime routine might include activities like bathing, reading, and calming down, signaling to your child that it’s time to sleep. They get to know their routine and their bodies will actually start producing melatonin about 2 hours prior to their regular bedtime. This paired with the consistency of a bedtime routine and time often makes for a smoother bedtime and transition to sleep.
And maybe one of the most important benefits is not to the children but to the parents. Sleep deprivation can take a toll on us as parents and often makes everything feel like a struggle. When your little ones are in bed early, you have time to unwind, take care of things around the house and have time to connect with one another. Being a well rested parent also usually allows you to show up to whatever challenges the day may bring with more patience and to feel more present in the day to day activities with your child. Prioritizing an early bedtime can positively affect the entire family.
If you are looking to start implementing an earlier bedtime with you child or have other sleep questions, but aren’t sure where to start, let’s chat!
