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When it comes to sleep, I’ve always taken a firm stance. I’m that parent who can’t help but exclaim, “Time for bed!” when I see you and your young child out at an hour that’s well past their bedtime. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I notice your preschooler dozing off during a morning playdate. And I certainly question your judgment when you casually mention that your elementary-aged kids are still awake at midnight—right alongside you and your partner.
Why do I care so much? It’s simple: a wealth of research links adequate sleep to better health and improved academic performance. Recent studies even suggest that sleep-deprived teens are more inclined to dabble in alcohol and marijuana.
To put it plainly, children need significantly more sleep than adults. Their bodies and minds are in a crucial stage of development. As parents, it’s our responsibility to support this growth by enforcing bedtime routines. While adults typically manage with 7-8 hours of sleep, infants may need up to 18 hours a day! Most experts recommend that preschoolers get about 12-13 hours, while school-aged children should aim for 9-10 hours. Even though teenagers may protest, they require a similar amount of rest. If your teen has to wake up at 6:45 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class, they should ideally be tucked in by 10 p.m.
Interestingly, some high schools across the U.S. adjusted their start times after recognizing the link between sleep and academic performance. The result? Improved GPAs simply from allowing students to get a little more rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics even advocates that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., yet nearly 40% of schools still commence classes before 8:00 a.m.
Insufficient sleep can wreak havoc on a child’s mood and cognitive functioning—not to mention their ability to maintain a healthy weight. Research indicates that tired children struggle to focus and often overeat, driven by hormonal fluctuations caused by fatigue. Consequently, they often gravitate toward sugary snacks, seeking a quick energy boost similar to an adult’s afternoon coffee break. The outcome? Their weight gradually increases.
I’ll admit, I was quite strict about sleep when my kids were younger. I rarely deviated from their nap and bedtime schedules—even on weekends. There were times I chose to skip social events if it meant my children would miss out on precious sleep.
Sure, I faced my share of comments. “Don’t you feel like a prisoner in your home? Why can’t they just sleep in the car? They’re kids; they’ll be fine!” While I occasionally let them nap in the car, I typically preferred to stick to our routine. This consistency paid off, granting me more freedom in other areas of my life. My kids became accustomed to their schedules, making it easier to plan my work, errands, and even date nights. They would drift off around the same time every day, and the bedtime routine became almost effortless. After the toddler years of teething and nightmares, they rarely woke up during the night. In the past four years, I can count on one hand the number of times my youngest has stirred me awake.
Now, at ages 7 and 11, they have settled into a routine where they go to bed around 8 and 9 p.m., respectively, and wake up by 7 a.m. or later. It’s a routine that continues to work wonders for us.
So yes, I continue to champion the cause of sleep—not just for my sake, but for theirs. For further insights into parenting and children’s health, check out this post on why sleep matters. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable syringe kits. If you’re looking for support on pregnancy or home insemination, Drugs.com is an excellent resource.
In summary, ensuring that your teens get enough sleep is paramount for their health, academic success, and overall well-being. As parents, we play a crucial role in making that happen.
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