6 Reasons Why Your Child Needs More Sleep!

Sleep loss may impede physical development.

The highest levels of growth hormone are released into the bloodstream during deep sleep. Because sleep deprivation results in a decrease in the release of growth hormone, height and growth may be affected by a lack of sleep.

Sleep loss affects immunity.

During sleep, interleukin-1, an immune boosting substance, is released. Several nights of poor rest can hamper a child's immunity.

Sleep-deprived children are more accident prone.

A lack of sleep has an adverse affect on motor skills. Dr. Carl Hunt, MD, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institute of Health says, "A tired child is an accident waiting to happen." Bicycle injuries and accidents on playground equipment are more likely to occur when a child hasn't had sufficient rest. And unfortunately, the stakes get continually higher when poor sleeping habits continue and the accident-prone child becomes the teenager who is driving while drowsy.

Sleep loss may affect the response to vaccinations.

A study published in the September 25, 2002, Journal of American Medical Association reports that sleep deprivation limited the effectiveness of the flu shot.

Not sure how much sleep is enough? Don't underestimate the sleep needs of your family! 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

This article was excerpted with permission from Patti Teel's Floppy Sleep Game Book.