Brain development primarily occurs during sleep in the first two years of life, according to the National Sleep Foundation. By the time children turn 2 years old, they've spent about 40 percent of their lives sleeping. As children begin school, they have a wide range of distractions that prevent them from getting the important sleep they need to continue healthy development.
Needs and Causes
Elementary school children between the ages of 5 and 12 need about 10 or 11 hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. To get sufficient sleep, children need to reduce the number of distractions that keep them awake at night. Watching television before bedtime can lead to sleep disruptions. Too much Internet surfing and computer play causes kids to become excited and have difficulty sleeping. Worries about school, homework or family problems can also lead to poor sleep habits. Snacks and drinks that contain caffeine also can prevent children from getting the sleep they need.
Importance
In addition to healthy brain development, sufficient sleep is vital for the body. Children need the downtime for physical healing and building the immune system to prevent diseases. Memories consolidate during sleep and psychiatric well-being relies on the hours of sleep children receive. Metabolism regulation takes place during sleep. Inadequate sleep often correlates to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Children who don’t get enough sleep also are more prone to accidents and injuries.
Effects
Inadequate sleep can lead to a host of complications, ranging from behavioral problems to mood swings. Hyperactive children often have poor sleep habits. According to the Education World website, younger children, unlike adults, usually become restless and more active when sleep deprived rather than drowsy and slow. Cognitive abilities become impaired and can lead to learning difficulties. A lack of sleep often leaves children unable to focus and pay attention in class.
Long-Term Effects
Bedtime and sleep habits developed in elementary school often have long-term consequences that don't really become evident until adolescence, another important time of physical and mental development in children. Healthy sleep habits often are formed in early childhood. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, early sleep deprivation may actually cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The habits young children form in their bedtime routines, such as watching television, also continue into adolescence and exacerbate other sleep disorders that increase aggressive behavior, poor learning abilities and stunted maturation.
