Sleep disturbances are one of the most underdiagnosed issues in children. It is generally recognised that there are 6 fundamental developmental needs that children need in order to thrive, these are; human connection, play, physical activity, quality nutrition, language, and sleep.
Sleep is often the one that the least emphasis is placed on, yet having good quality sleep promotes;
• Improvements in memory and learning.
• Improved emotional and sensory regulation.
• Increased immune system.
It also has the advantage of decreasing the risks of developing:
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Heart conditions.
• Mental health issues.
• and developmental delays.
So although sleep is often overlooked, it is a cornerstone for allowing all other areas to develop properly.
Research tells us that children of the same age, require a similar amount of sleep per day. If a child is sleeping excessively more or less than their peers, then there is something causing a sleep disturbance.
Babies should be unswaddled once they show signs of rolling, or if they turn 6 months old, whichever occurs first. This is due to the fact that it is unsafe if they are swaddled when rolling, and if swaddling is continued to be used past 6 months it is much more difficult for a baby […]
There are several sleep regressions over the course of a child’s life. They are as follows: 4-6 month 9 month 12 month 18 month 24 months The 4-6 month regression (commonly called the 4 month sleep regression) is actually the full maturation of the circadian rhythm. This causes night time sleep cycles to come into […]
