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.
The United States of America Department Of The Army has two publications that discuss sleep.
Here are some quotes from A Leader’s Guide To Soldier Health and Fitness ATP 6-22.5. For the word ‘Leader’, insert the word ‘Parent’. For the word ‘Soldier’, insert the word ‘Child’.
“Sleep is a biological need, critical for sustaining the mental abilities needed for success on the battlefield (success in school, sports, music…). For this reason, sleep should be viewed as critical as any logistical item of resupply, like water, fuel, and ammunition. Commanders (parents) need to plan proactively for the allocation of adequate sleep for themselves and their subordinates (children). Tasks such as requesting fire, integrating range cards, establishing positions, and coordinating squad tactics (cognition) are more susceptible to sleep loss than well-practice, routine physical tasks such as loading magazines and marching (simple tasks, motor memory). For example, Soldiers may be able to accurately aim a weapon, but not select the correct target.
In addition to declining military performance, leaders (parents) can expect changes in mood, motivation, and initiative as a result of inadequate sleep. Therefore, while there may be no outward signs of sleep deprivation, Soldiers (children) may still not function optimally.”
“Things that do not improve or increase sleep
∙ Foods or diets
∙ Melatonin, and other over-the-counter sleep aids”
Sleep is important for national security (Blog Post 220).
