When looking at human lifestyles across the globe, there are specific functions which we all engage with. Cuisine, clothing trends, and distinct languages are examples of how cultures define themselves. One of the main elements of life which unites all people is sleep, and how crucial it is to maintain health.
Like other basic human necessities, each person has a unique relationship with sleep which factors into their daily lives differently. To some, sleep can be an afterthought, especially when faced with a demanding schedule. To others, sleep is a sacred part of life which must be prioritized to uphold personal well-being. Regardless, sleep is one of the most important elements of life and is especially vital during developmental stages. Getting efficient sleep is crucial for children and teenagers, as sleep can directly affect their mental and physical circumstances.
While this may not be revolutionary information, the issues that surround sleep in youth culture are spreading. With the rise of online youth content and access to digital devices, it is now common for children to jeopardize their sleep schedule. Understandably, it can be difficult to motivate young people to disengage from their pastimes in favour of sleep. Yet, personal technology has made it incredibly challenging for young people to set aside enough time to sleep. The average school-aged child requires 9-11 hours of sleep, and teenagers should similarly aim for 8-10 hours daily. This may seem excessive to some until the reality of sleep is properly understood.
For anyone that is under 25 and still growing, attaining quality sleep regularly is essential. When young people fail to sleep long enough or in an uninterrupted manner, their physical and mental health is largely thrown off in several ways. To better understand the importance of sleep, we can look into the positive effects it has on youth. Check out the list below to learn about the results and advantages of proper sleep for young people.
- Children can learn in their sleep
For kids, getting enough sleep is directly linked to their performance in school and intellectual abilities. Much like adults, poor sleep quality can promote forgetfulness over just a few days. When children face sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep, their short-term memory is impacted and processing new information becomes difficult. To avoid academic struggles, kids and teenagers must achieve the recommended amount of sleep per age group so their ever-developing brains are protected.
- Sleep promotes physical growth
While children sleep, their bodies produce the HGH hormone (Human Growth Hormone) which is crucial for proper growth. HGH can also promote miraculous physical effects, such as repairing tissues and muscles. Yet, an improper sleep cycle can lead to a lack of HGH and the negative consequences that arise with it. A lack of HGH can impact a child’s hair and nail growth, and height, and can even delay puberty. Appropriate sleep is necessary for children to ensure physical wellness is supported.
- Proper sleep boosts the immune system
One of the most well-known facts about sleep is how it benefits the human immune system. For anyone who directly encounters germs in environments such as school, the body rids itself of these toxins during sleep. Kids and teenagers can generally avoid catching colds and basic illnesses by committing to a healthy sleep schedule. This is specifically of concern for young children, as their immune systems are still developing and largely intolerant to a variety of bacteria. By prioritizing sleep daily, young people can protect themselves and in turn, sustain their immune systems.
- Obesity risks are reduced
Given the various physical advantages of sleep, its link to fighting obesity is understandable. Specialists and doctors maintain that coupled with proper diet and exercise, sleep is an effective method of coping with obesity risks. Particularly, children aged 5 and under face a critical risk of obesity later in life if they fail to attain a healthy sleep schedule. An appropriate sleep schedule for young kids can provide the body with opportunities to regulate hormones and metabolic processes, among other physical functions. Sleep quality is beneficial in combatting the risk of obesity in children and their future.
Evidently, there exists significant information to prove the importance of sleep in the lives of young people. Kids and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the impact of sleep, as it is crucial for their development. Physical and mental wellness in children cannot be sustained unless they achieve the recommended amount of sleep per their age group. Young people who practice healthy sleep habits can reap the benefits, which include a boosted immune system, increased intellect, and more. If you are curious about the significance of sleep in the lives of children, visit the source material on the ZzzQuil website.
The health and wellness of young people is an issue that grows more significant each day. At a time when personal technology and a mental health crisis can threaten the lives of children, we are all responsible to keep them safe. Kids and teenagers must know that they are not alone, and that there are opportunities for them to cope with their struggles. If you are interested in how to uplift young people in your life, the iMatter program offers useful tools to empower kids who need it. For information, visit the iMatter website or contact Canyon Entertainment Group via info(at)canyonentertainmentgroup.com.