Are children getting 'a good night's sleep? It’s time to wake up

Rithu Dravid | NT

Bengaluru: The age old 'Wee Willie Winkie', a Scottish nursery rhyme, the song used over generations setting a stage for children to sleep has probably become outdated in modern times.

Nowadays, children are more likely to just fall asleep maybe out of fatigue than have ‘sound sleep’ with no interruptions. Children nowadays are sleep deprived no doubt which has a significant impact on their wellbeing.

So it is crucial for parents, educators, and doctors to recognize the importance of healthy sleep habits and create an environment that supports adequate sleep for children.

“The active role of parents in a child’s development is crucial. Children must not hesitate to inform parents about their sleep difficulties and seek help for a good night’s sleep. Similarly, parents must explain the consequences of sleep deprivation”, says Dr Rajendra K M, Psychiatrist, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, NIMHANS.

“A minimum eight hours sleep in adolescent children is required for physiological and mental health. Similarly, 10 hours of sleep for school children will help them adopt better sleep hygiene methods. They will fall into a routine of having sufficient quality sleep and imbibe the habit of falling and waking up at the same time every day”, adds Dr Rajendra K M.

Some doctors like Dr Eesha Sharma, Psychiatrist, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, NIMHANS, opine that, “Sleep deprivation is a problem and excessive mobile use, school routines and academic requirements may contribute to it. From infancy to toddler years, there is a decline in the number of hours spent in sleep”.

However, it is noted that during adolescence, one may experience a phase shift, I.e., the brain enters sleep later than earlier, making adolescents stay awake late into the night.

Schooling and academic routines hardly take these normative phase shifts into account. As most schools start really early in the morning, sleep deprivation in children reduces academic and work efficiency There are many factors that can hinder sleep time.

The most talked about issue is the excessive exposure to mobile screen time. Doctors say children need guidance on mobile usage.

Psychiatrists say around 90% of children tend to sleep one or two hours less due to exam stress. This stress induced sleep pattern, is due to the pressure to perform in the exams.

What are the signs and symptoms of insufficient sleep?

• Problems paying attention
• Hyperactivity and impulsiveness (especially in younger children)
• Low energy and Fatigue.
• Poor mood regulation (often upset and "moody")
• Decreased social skills
• Falling asleep at school and sleeping during short car rides
• Trouble getting out of bed in the morning
• Trouble falling asleep or unable to stay asleep