Why your child needs more sleep

I guess you must be wondering why I'm posting this title since my blog provides for the opposite, i.e. what to do if you kid refuses to sleep. Well, despite the fact that sometimes we join them when we can't beat them, I'm sure you agree with me that sleep is indeed much needed for our kids to grow and remain strong and healthy.

I was cleaning out some of my folders in the computer and came across this article which I had saved some time ago.

It gives a list of reasons why your child needs more sleep:

. Sleep loss is linked to obesity and diabetes
. Inadequate sleep may cause children to overeat
. Sleep loss is associated with anxiety and depression
. Sleep loss may impede physical development
. Sleep loss affects immunity
. Sleep-deprived children are more accident-prone
. Sleep loss may affect the response to vaccinations

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following timetable for healthy sleeping:

Newborns: 14 to 18 hours
Toddlers: 10 to 14 hours
Kindergarteners: 8 to 12 hours
School-aged children: 8 to 10 hours
Teenagers: 9 to 11 hours