We all know the feeling of being over tired. As parents and carers we often don’t get enough sleep and it impacts on our days, we may be more irritable and have less energy.  When children don’t get enough sleep over a period of time, the following behavioural, cognitive (mental) and emotional symptoms can occur:

  • Sleepiness during the day
  • Issues with study and socialising
  • Irritability and moodiness
  • Shorter attention span
  • Lack of concentration and focus
  • Increased forgetfulness
  • Reduced academic performance
  • Lack of interest and motivation
  • Difficulty learning new information
  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Increased emotional problems
  • Reduced immune system
  • Poorer memory
  • Increased impulsivity
  • Higher risk of accidents
  • Increased stress
  • Higher levels of obesity
  • Decline in mental health

The chart above shows how much sleep is needed for children at different ages. How much sleep is your child getting?

 

Danni Giro

Wellbeing