Benefits of having a child that sleeps well

A staggering 25 % of children suffer from behavioural according to this journal! Behaviour insomnia in children is when children either exhibit bedtime refusal or resistance, delayed sleep onset, and/or prolonged night awakenings requiring parental intervention. This statistic is very concerning as poor quality sleep can drastically impact both the child and their parents physical and mental health.

Establishing healthy sleep patterns in children is crucial for their overall well-being and development. Having a child that sleeps well not only benefits them but also has significant positive impacts on the entire family. Here are the top reasons why it's essential to help your child master the skill of being able to sleep:

1. Social and Cognitive Development

Quality sleep is fundamental for a child's social and cognitive development. During sleep, the brain processes information and consolidates memories, which is vital for learning and problem-solving. Children who get adequate sleep are better able to focus, pay attention, and perform well academically. Additionally, well-rested children tend to have better social interactions and emotional regulation, making it easier for them to form healthy relationships with their peers.

2. Memory Enhancement

Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation. When children sleep, their brains are busy organizing and storing the information they've learned throughout the day. This process is essential for long-term memory retention. By ensuring your child gets enough sleep, you are helping to strengthen their memory and support their academic success.

3. Physical Growth

Growth hormone, which is crucial for a child’s development, is primarily released during deep sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for physical growth, as it allows the body to repair tissues, build muscle, and strengthen bones. Consistent sleep patterns contribute to healthy growth and development, helping your child reach their full physical potential.

4. Stronger Immunity

A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off illnesses. Sleep is essential for a robust immune system, as it helps the body produce cytokines, which are proteins that combat infection and inflammation. Children who get enough sleep are less likely to fall sick and recover more quickly when they do.

5. Improved Mood

Sleep directly impacts mood and emotional stability. Children who do not get enough sleep can become irritable, moody, and prone to tantrums. Adequate sleep helps regulate mood, reduces stress, and promotes a positive outlook, making daily activities and interactions more pleasant for both the child and the family.

6. Parents' Mental Health

When children sleep well, parents sleep well. Lack of sleep can take a toll on parents' mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. By teaching your child to sleep independently and consistently, you can enjoy better sleep quality yourself, improving your overall mental health and well-being.

7. Parents' Physical Health

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems, weight gain, and a weakened immune system. Ensuring your child sleeps well can significantly reduce the risk of sleep deprivation for parents, helping you maintain better physical health and energy levels to care for your family effectively. Let's take a look at how sleep training changes Sophie's life:

"Our toddler had never been a good sleeper. Since a baby she would always wake 3-4 times in the night and bedtime was the most dreaded part of the day because it would always result in a lot of tantrums and usually tears from both of us. I could count on one hand the amount of nights since birth that she had slept longer than a few hours in one go. We found that her tantrums around bedtime were starting to overflow and add to her behaviour during the day and I had countless moments where. It often felt that no matter what I tried, it wasnt helping and I was utterly lost on how or what I should do to help or support her.

We had been told that 'maybe she was just one of these children that didn't need as much sleep' and that hopefully things would improve by the time she started school at age 4. But we could see the toll it was starting to take on her, as well as us, from being in a permanent overtired state. There was no way we would of survived until she was 4 with how little sleep we were all getting. We welcomed our second baby when she was 2 and a half and the combination of a newborn and a toddler that never slept started to rapidly take its toll. That's when we met Radha.

Radha completely changed our lives. She invested and applied so much empathy, knowledge, time, and expertise to our situation. She offered a huge wealth of advice and support and was always at hand if we needed any additional help during the process. Our little girl has been solidly sleeping through the night for well over a month and bedtime is no longer a time of day that fills me with dread. She falls asleep all by herself, sleeps through and her overall behaviour and toddler tantrums has drastically improved. She even brags to her friends and family about how good she is at sleeping and how her 'sleep fairy' helps her. 

I have turned in to one of these smug parents that can proudly proclaim that both her children sleep through the night and I even manage to get atleast an hour to myself everyday when she has her newly adopted quiet time periods! Our bond and relationship is stronger than its ever been.

Thank you Radha for honestly helping us more than I ever expected you could!"

- Sophie, mother to a 3 year old -

What can you do today?

If you're feeling the effects of sleep deprivation on your family and want to make a change like Sophie did, get in touch today. As a sleep consultant, I can provide personalized strategies and support to help your child develop healthy sleep habits. Let's start your journey to better sleep together. Contact me today and transform your family's sleep for a healthier, happier life.

Book my free sleep evaluation call today

Radha Sleep Nanny