Teaching kids to have a better sleep habit will not just benefit their health, but also their brain. In a recent study published in Sleep Medicine, it found that 20 minutes more of snooze time can actually improve their grades in school as well.
"Sleep should not be negotiated every night, and there should be a consistent bedtime every night. Teach kids that sleep is a priority," Reut Gruber, director of Attention Behavior and Sleep Lab and professor at McGill University, said.
"Make sure kids go to bed at a time that allows them sufficient sleep duration," Gruber continued. "Even in the presence of competing activities and priorities."
Study On Sleeping Habits
According to Huffington Post, the author of the study -- published in the journal, Sleep Medicine -- advised parents to give their kids' sleep proper attention and make sure they are having the right amount. Today reported that the research was conducted with two groups of elementary school students in Montreal via a six-week sleep education.
Kids who applied the "healthier sleep habits" added 18.2 minutes of sleep every night, the study found. In fact, children's performance in their Math and English subjects improved by about two percent, while their physical education grades increased marginally.
Parents Should Set Priorities
The Washington Post cited parents today are not prioritizing their kids' sleep and the amount they needed to perform well. Children are lacking sleep because of the things that interests them like, TV and playing, late dinners also interrupt their usual bedtime.
One in every four guardians thinks their kids need lesser sleep than what is recommended while one in every five believes children must have more sleep than advised. "Children who have insufficient sleep are more likely to have difficulties with their attention, mood, learning, health and behavior at home and at school," explained Philippa McDowall, lead author of a study done at the University of Otago in New Zealand.
Inducing Proper Sleeping Habits
To make sure kids have proper sleep, guardians should remove all the things that obstruct their bedtime like, electronic media. Using tablets, laptops and smartphones before children hit the sack lessen their melatonin that helps regulate sleep.
What do you think of the new findings about the additional 20 minutes of sleep for kids? Share us your thoughts. Write your comments below!
