Good sleep is essential, especially during infancy. Children should get adequate sleep because the growth of the nervous system is highly dependent on the number of hours of sleep. During the first hour of sleep the body produces 60 percent of total growth hormone secretion. It is therefore clear that sleep plays a fundamental role in all spheres of child development and influences growth, behavior and school performance.
Unfortunately, 60 percent of Spanish children currently do not get the 10 hours of sleep considered necessary. Of these, 30 percent suffer from symptoms of daytime sleepiness. It should also be noted that since 1985 children’s bedtime has been increasingly delayed, by approximately 30 minutes, and 66 percent of children between 10 and 15 years of age decide their own bedtime. Exposure to television at night is very frequent. This is a negative stimulus because it makes the child stay awake longer.
Consequences of lack of sleep in children
Poor sleep during infancy is especially serious. By sleeping fewer hours, the child will be more distracted and tired during the day, and thus his learning and attention span will be seriously impaired. Tiredness also increases irritability, so their social relationships will be affected.
In addition, lack of sleep at this age predisposes to sleep disorders in adulthood. Sleep disturbances are common in childhood and, unlike those that occur in adulthood, also affect the quality of life of the entire family environment. To combat the problem, it is very important that from an early age children establish routines that promote sleep.