SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental health, but many kids are not getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 3 to 5 years should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep per night, children aged 6 to 12 years should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, and teens aged 13 to 18 years should sleep for 8 to 10 hours per night. However, stress, anxiety, disrupted routines, and increased screen time are some of the factors that can interfere with children’s sleep patterns and affect their mood, behavior, and learning.
“Sleep is vital for children’s physical health, immune system, brain development, memory, learning, and emotional regulation,” said Lori Neeleman, PhD, clinical psychologist at Intermountain Health. “Helping kids get enough sleep and reduce stress can have many benefits for their overall well-being.” Stress can also negatively affect all aspects of children’s health and make them more vulnerable to illness, mood disorders, and behavioral problems, said Dr.
Neeleman. Intermountain sleep experts recommend that parents help their kids establish and maintain regular sleep schedules and routines that promote healthy sleep habits and reduce stress. Here are ten strategies for parents to follow: Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time for your kids, even on weekends and holidays.
This helps their biological clock stay in sync an.
