Naps aren’t just for the little ones; it turns out that bigger kids can greatly benefit from them too!
Ah, naps. The ultimate blessing of parenthood — especially for those fortunate enough to have children who enjoy their sleep. While it’s well-known that infants and toddlers thrive with nap time, new research reveals that older children, particularly those in grades four through six, can also gain significant advantages from a midday snooze. Unfortunately, they often miss out on this opportunity.
A recent study published in the journal SLEEP has highlighted the positive effects of napping on happiness, behavior, and even IQ in fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Notably, the study found that integrating naps into the school day — a concept that’s rare in traditional educational settings — led to improved academic performance.
“Students who napped three or more times a week experienced a 7.6% boost in their academic performance in Grade 6,” states Dr. Emily Carter, a neuroscientist from the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study. “What student wouldn’t want to see their scores increase by 7.6 points out of 100?”
The research indicates that around 20% of children suffer from sleep deprivation, which often results in drowsiness and a lack of focus during lessons. The study monitored the schedules of 3,000 students aged 10 to 12 to assess the impact of daytime napping. The results showed that those who took naps had:
- Enhanced self-control
- Elevated happiness levels
- Increased IQ scores
- Fewer behavioral issues
- Overall better academic success
It’s important to recognize that even children as young as 10 have jam-packed schedules these days. An average school day can be as demanding as a full-time job for adults, and when you add after-school activities, homework, chores, and family commitments, it’s understandable that kids often feel drained.
Given that 20% of children struggle with sleep issues, it’s crucial to seriously consider the benefits of allowing kids to nap. While their bodies and brains are rapidly growing, many do not receive enough rest. Various factors, including mental health, social dynamics, and family environments, can influence sleep patterns. Imagine if all children had designated time to catch up on sleep; they could all enjoy the perks of rest.
“The greater the amount of daytime sleep, the more significant the benefits of napping,” says Dr. Lucy Grant, a sleep researcher at the University of California, Irvine. Co-author Dr. James Park emphasizes, “Implementing midday naps is simple and cost-effective.”
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In summary, allowing older children to nap during school could lead to significant improvements in their academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being. As our understanding of child health evolves, it’s essential to advocate for practices that enhance their daily experiences.