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.
Early bedtimes, based on drowsy signs, prevent or eliminate pre-sleep arousal and cumulative sleepiness so the child’s healthy sleep begets more healthy sleep. Over time, even a slightly earlier bedtime (10-20 minutes) makes a big difference!
The primary benefit of healthy sleep is healthy brain development. Unhealthy sleep is a brain threat. Long naps do not compensate for late bedtimes. The benefits of healthy sleep in infancy carry-over to adolescence and beyond.
Early Bedtimes: Blog Posts 224A–C and 225, also Parents’ Reports 2.
Drowsy signs: Blog Posts 83 and 115X.
Pre-sleep arousal: Blog Posts 204 and 233.
Cumulative sleepiness: Blog Posts 84–86.
Sleep Begets Sleep: Blog Post 173
A slightly earlier bedtime makes a big difference. Blog Post 160.
Healthy brain development: Blog Post 221.
Long naps: Blog Post 182.
Benefits of healthy sleep: Blog Post 232.
Benefits carry-over to adolescence: Parents’ Reports’ 12
Benefits carry-over beyond adolescence: Blog Posts 244–248A.
