If your baby or child struggles to sleep well for weeks, months or even years, you might start to think they just don’t need that much sleep and be tempted to let things continue as they are. In reality though, they’re building what’s called a ‘sleep debt’ and becoming more and more sleep deprived.

Sleep deprivation is common, but it’s certainly not a healthy state for the human body and brain to experience.   

Poor sleep has a huge impact on the physical and mental health of our babies and children. Overtired babies are cranky babies. They are irritable, unsettled and often cry a lot. Crying, unsettled babies are often said to be ‘normal’. However, in my experience, well-rested and full babies cry less. In fact, some of them barely cry at all.

Overtired toddlers are cranky toddlers. They throw tantrums, are clingy, are often fussy at mealtimes and can be poorly behaved. Overtired children are also cranky children. They struggle to concentrate, have short attention spans, and they too can have poor behaviour and often look ‘wired’ and in a hyper-alert state.

And what about overtired parents? Just like their little ones, sleep-deprived parents tend to be more irritable and struggle to concentrate, and they can find it much harder to cope with the day-to-day challenges that come with being a parent.   

Getting enough good quality sleep is so important, not only to eliminate the effects of sleep deprivation on the whole family but also to help our bodies and brains to be the best they can.

Sleep helps our body systems to function optimally – our heart and lungs and our immune system included. Problems related to these systems, like getting sick more often or taking longer to recover after illness, are much more likely to occur when we’re sleep deprived.

Sleep is also vital for learning because it’s the time when our brains build new connections and manage our memories. You might have noticed that you’re more forgetful after a stretch of poor sleep. This is why!   

Sleep is important for growth, too. Do you ever have those mornings when you look at your child and wonder if they’ve grown overnight? They likely have – it’s primarily during sleep that growth hormone is secreted.

Getting enough sleep has even been linked to being a healthy weight, with studies showing that infants who sleep too little actually gain more fat during their first few months and are at a higher risk of being overweight by the time they’re three.    

On top of all these benefits, a baby or child who sleeps well finds it easier to handle all the new experiences life throws at them.

In a nutshell, a little one who sleeps well is a happier, healthier member of the family!

The information in this Blog Article relates to healthy babies and children with no undiagnosed, untreated medical issues or concerns. If you have any concerns about the health of the baby or child in your care, please see their GP or paediatrician.

For more sensible, straightforward, safe advice and resources on getting your family the sleep you all deserve, explore my website – sleepbysteph.com.au