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Parents guide: Sleep

A decent night’s sleep is important for both child and parents, but how much sleep do different ages need, and how can common problems be resolved? By Annette Rawstrone

Being a parent can mean that sleep becomes a rare treat – something that we long for ourselves and desperately hope for our children. But what is a ‘good night’s sleep’ for children, and why is it so important?

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP

Sleep is essential for children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. It is no coincidence that things often feel better after a good night’s rest, because during sleep our brains process the events of the day, consolidate memories and solve problems. Physical growth is also dependent on sleep due to growth hormones primarily being secreted during deep sleep. Emotionally, sleep plays a vital role in mood regulation.

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