Sleepless nights for your preschooler can result in more than grumpy mornings and evening temper tantrums; a preschool child’s sleep is a key factor when it comes to brain development. Getting an adequate amount of sleep will not only improve your child’s mood and energy levels, but will also improve their educational performance dramatically!

How much sleep do they really need?

Children should get a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Studies have shown that missing even a single hour of sleep can reduce the cognitive maturation process by the equivalent of two years, meaning that an eight-year-old will perform at the level of a six-year-old. One’s IQ drops 7% with a single missed hour, and the ability to “catch up” eventually gets lost if sleep loss is chronic. Less sleep means less attention, less focus, and less self-control (cue the grocery store temper tantrum).

Attention Span and Positive Emotions

Each memory gets stored in one of two locations. If the memory is negative, it will be stored in the part of the brain called the amygdala. If the memory is positive, it gets stored in the part of the brain called the hippocampus. Sleep deprivation hits the hippocampus much harder than the amygdala. This causes children to only remember negative memories, thus leaving a negative impact on a child’s perspective.

Tips for Optimal Sleep

Every parent's responsibility is to create a peaceful sleeping environment for their kids that exists without a cell phone, TV, computer, or any other electronic device. And also, It’s important to establish a regular routine for sleeping time so that every night your body can find its natural rhythm and settle into a regular sleep-wake cycle.

When preschoolers get enough sleep, it changes the fundamental structure of their brain and alters every other brain process the following day. When they consistently get enough sleep, children feel happier, are smarter, and will develop a brain that can handle challenges that come later in life. Say goodbye to sleepless nights, and hello to a happier, healthier child!