Tired Children in School

 

I am often concerned about the apparent tiredness of a few children at school and, whether it be winter with lots of TV in the evenings or summer with long hours of sunshine, it is always a good time to establish a healthy sleeping routine.

A schoolchild usually needs to sleep for about 10 hours every night – see the chart below. Children who do not have enough sleep can suffer from any or all these symptoms:

·         Poor concentration and inability to focus for any length of time

·         Inattentive – child can’t listen and won’t understand what to do

·         Can’t engage fully with learning, only doing the minimum and showing little enthusiasm for work

·         Child is irritable and falls out or becomes upset very easily

·         Child doesn’t achieve at the expected level

·         Low self-esteem – “I am no good at ….”

·         Behaviour problems such as aggression, defiance, non-compliance, oppositional behaviour and hyperactivity

All parents will want their children to get a good night's sleep and feel rested in the morning. Such children will get the best out of school and mornings won’t be such a hassle, trying to get a tired child out of bed.

It is worth remembering that a child sent to a bedroom with TV, computer games or even a good book is not “sleeping”!

 

How much sleep does a schoolchild need?

 

3-6 Years Old : 10¾ - 12 hours per day

Children at this age typically need up to 12 hours sleep per night, just as they did when they were younger. At 3, most children are still napping, while at 5 most are not. Naps gradually become shorter as well. New sleep problems do not usually develop after 3 years of age.

At this stage you may be impressed and exasperated at how well your child has developed bedtime stalling tactics, and at how easily you may be manipulated -- "I need to go to the loo (again). I need a glass of water; I am so thirsty. Wait, I love you (for the fourth time)."

 It is clear that the proper amount and quality of sleep are very important for your child's development.

6-9 Years Old : 10 - 11 hours per day

At these ages, with social, school, and family activities, bedtimes gradually become later, with most 6/7 year-olds going to bed at about 7.00 – 7.30 and 8/9 year-olds at about 8.00.  There is a wide range of bedtimes, from 7:00 – 9.00 p.m., as well as total sleep times, from 9 - 12 hours. Parents will know how much sleep their child needs to function well the next day!

Sleep needs do not decrease and remain vitally important to your child's health, development, and well-being. Without the proper amount of sleep, your child will become increasingly sleepy during the day.

 

 

Typical Sleep Patterns - Children and Teenagers (from Raising Kids website)