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Puzzle Tips – The Importance of Sleep in Childhood and Adolescence

May 13, 2025 CriaziTeam Comments Off

The importance of sleep in childhood and adolescence

Our partner, Clínica Fluir, provided our team with a training session on the importance of sleep in childhood and adolescence, led by sleep speech therapist Eveli Truksinas. We’d like to share with families some key points on this important topic.

A regular sleep routine plays a crucial role in the healthy development of children.
At night, energy is replenished, the immune system is strengthened, and growth hormone (GH) is released.
During sleep, the brain processes and stores information acquired throughout the day, which is essential for learning and memory.
Children who sleep the recommended amount are better able to manage emotions and stress.
But how do we know if children are sleeping enough?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, there is a recommended number of hours of sleep for each age group, including naps. (See attached image)

It is very important to establish a pre-sleep routine, which should begin about an hour before bedtime.
This may include a warm bath, storytelling, and dimming the lights.
These actions help signal to the body that bedtime is approaching.

To ensure quality sleep, we must be aware of whether the child or adolescent may have any sleep disorders, such as:

  • Night fears
  • Frequent nightmares
  • Sleepwalking
  • Night terrors
  • Insomnia
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Breathing problems
  • Bedwetting frequently after toilet training

And what is the impact of poor sleep quality in the school environment? (See attached image)

Sleep problems can directly affect a child’s behavior:

  • Sleepiness or lack of interest
  • Apathy or low energy during activities
  • Difficulty completing classroom tasks
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Eating outside of regular mealtimes
  • Difficulty interacting with staff or friends
  • Lack of interest in group activities
  • Frequent mood changes
  • Oppositional behavior
  • Crying

When we observe closely, we often notice that these behaviors can be mistaken for possible disorders.
That’s why maintaining good sleep quality for our children is so important.
And in case of any concerns or sleep disturbances, it’s essential to seek guidance from a pediatrician and/or a specialist.

Warm regards,
Liliane
Pedagogical Coordinator – Elementary School