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Your 5- to 8-year-old sleeping enough? And how does it help?
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:
1. How much sleep is best?
2. How can the doctor help?
3. What's the impact?
Don’t be alarmed if your kindergartner or elementary school student still loves to sleep — a lot.
1. HOW MUCH SLEEP IS BEST?
Ten to 13 hours a day, including naps, are recommended for 5-year-olds, while 6- to 8-year-olds should get from nine to 12 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s report that emphasizes the importance of children of all ages getting enough sleep each night. The academy also recommends removing TVs and computers from children’s rooms and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
2. HOW CAN THE DOCTOR HELP?
But what if your child winds down with the TV at night? That’s a critical question the academy encourages you to ask your child’s doctor during annual exams. The doctor should be able to offer suggestions on how to help your child get the appropriate hours of shut eye.
3. WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Quality rest improves attention spans, behavior and the ability to focus and learn, according to study. It also makes it easier to regulate emotions and be more physically fit. By contrast, children who don’t regularly log enough hours often show an increase in injuries, high blood pressure, obesity and depression.
SOURCES:
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
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