When “Crabby” means “Put me to bed”—Kids and Sleep

As we pass the 4^th of July, I am reminded about sleep deprivation. Over the week, I had the conversation with both personal friends and clients about the importance of sleep for children, and how negative behavior can be so linked with a lack of sleep.

Adults really minimize how important sleep is. I have had several parents say, “Oh, but it’s summer. Kids need to be kids”. While I don’t disagree with that statement, since when does being a kid mean not getting enough sleep?

The fact is, many kids have a set biological clock. My son is 9, and he is at the age where is BEGGING me to be allowed to stay up later (he even polled his friends at school about their bedtime!). I would love to let him do this. However, he is awake at 6:30 AM no matter what time he goes to bed, which means he really needs to be in bed by 8:30. Of course, I have occasionally allowed him to stay up later for special occasions—there are exceptions to every rule—the problem comes when parents consistently minimize the importance of getting enough sleep.

So how much is enough? According to Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of “Sleepless in America” (if you haven’t read it- you should! She’s also a local author!), her beliefs are that kids need the following amount of sleep over a 24 hour period (including naps):

• Infant (0-12 mos) 14-18 hours
• Toddler (13-36 mos) 13 hours
• Preschooler (37-60 mos) 12 hours
• School-age (6-12 yrs) 10-11 hours
• Adolescent (13-19 yrs) 9.25 hours
• Adult 20+ 8.25 hours

Kurcinka also talks in her book about how up to 20% of kids diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AKA ADHD) are actually suffering from a sleep disorder. 20%! That's a lot... 

I know, I know. Kids aren’t cookie cutters, but I have really found that most kids benefit from getting the amount of sleep somewhere around these averages. Some kids need even more.

At any rate, there is a huge correlation between lack of sleep and negative behaviors, physical illness, focus/attention difficulties, and hyperactivity. So if your child seems to be irritable, acting out, unfocused, getting sick frequently, etc. it is time to look at sleep hygiene.