Research has proven that nap time in children and adults in beneficial to not only ones health but ones brain activity and development. They have show that children’s behavior is also directly related to sleep and nutrition. (Some examples of studies below)
1. http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/september2013/09302013naps.htm
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/choke/201312/naps-help-kids-learn
3. http://www.stlouischildrens.org/articles/wellness/napping-necessary
4. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150113090322.htm
5. http://www.motherforlife.com/health/sleep/8155-the-benefits-of-taking-a-nap.thtml
6. http://www.napnook.com/the-wonderful-beneficial-world-of-naps/
7. http://www.washingtonparent.com/articles/1504/1504-nap-time-benefits.php
8. http://healthland.time.com/2013/09/23/the-secret-to-smarter-kids-naps/
9. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/19/2-year-olds-naps-study_n_6708978.html
10. http://www.brainchildmag.com/2015/01/top-10-books-on-children-and-sleep/
Nap Time Controversy:
We all want what is best for our children and to give them the best advantage in life. My Philosophy is I strongly believe nap time is very important up to age four and throughout life. Around four some children still need a nap and some children move to more of a quiet time where they may nap a few times a week, but then will just have a wind down time other days and for a shorter period of time.
Sometimes families would like for children to stop taking naps early so they sleep longer at night but what also needs to be considered is there are many other activities that effect night time sleeping that should be taken into account. For example children have a harder time going to sleep at night if they play video games and watch television. (Studies at the bottom of page) If children eat certain color food dyes it can create hyperactivity and effect sleep patterns. Children hit a second wind when they get home with their parents who they love and want to spend time with especially after being in childcare no matter how loving the caregiver is.
A solution to helping with a child’s bed time is to create a routine and a wind down time with parents and no high stimulating activities (including but not limited to electronics) this will help a child fall asleep better as well.
Sometimes it may seem that a child is not tired and hyperactive but truly this could happen if a child is overtired as they will fight sleep be hyperactive and have other behavior issues.
2. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-down-better-sleep
3. http://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/how-screens-affect-sleep
4. http://www.babysleepsite.com/toddlers/how-tv-affects-toddler-preschooler-sleep/
5. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a558173/toddler-sleep-concerns-over-stimulation
7. http://www.parentingscience.com/infant-sleep-problems.html
8. http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=168&article_set=21720
9. http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/04/tv-a-sleep-detriment-in-children-study-finds/