If you have not already done so, please read Blog Posts 1 through 5 that describe how sleep is important and beneficial. I will post specific information for parents and children based on my book, “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.” Please do not be put off by my book’s length. This is a reference book. Read only the topic of interest to you.
∙ At 6 and 12 months, early bedtimes were associated with increased neural connectivity in the brain. (Blog Post 131).
∙ Infants 13-16 months of age with objective longer sleep durations and more consolidated sleep were more creative. (Blog Post 141).
∙ In children 2-5 years old, connection between the right and left sides of the brain increased by as much as 20% over a single night’s sleep. (Blog Post 135).
∙ Children between 2-6 years old who increased their sleep duration over a 15-month observation period had less hyperactivity/inattention, fewer conduct problems, improved peer relationships and more prosocial behavior. (Blog Post 75).
∙ Objective measurements of sleep duration in 5-13 years showed that longer sleep durations were associated with better cognitive function. (Blog Post 121).
∙ IQ scores in 6-year-old children were higher in children with longer sleep durations. (Blog Post 121).
∙ Among 9-11-year-old children, long sleep duration is associated with higher cognitive scores and specific regional increases in brain volume. (Blog Post 136).
∙ Well-rested adolescents, 15-17 years old, who habitually slept more than 8 hours each night, were experimentally given 10-hour sleep opportunities in a sleep lab during a 10-day study period. Their Happiness ratings increased by more than 10%. (Blog Post 79).
(To be continued)
