The kids have started back to school so now it’s time to start back to the “school nights” routine. The providers at ABC Pediatrics realize the importance of a good night’s sleep to a kid’s productivity and well-being. We thought we’d share some pediatric provider’s thoughts and insight to help our parent’s preach to their kids.
Here are some remarks from the providers. Please leave some comments/thoughts and we will pass them along to the providers.
“Appropriate sleep is vital to proper brain functions such as memory and
recall. All school aged children need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to
achieve this level of brain function. Lack of sleep causes irritability,
nervousness, inability to focus and retain information. Some of the best
ways to assess if patients are sleeping well is seeing how well their school
grades are because the most successful children are those that have good
sleep hygiene and eat nutritious, balanced meals.”
Veronica Romero, PA-C
“A good night sleep can make or break your mood and attitude going into the
following day. Children, pre-teens and teens need 9 to 10 hours of sleep
everyday.
When you have a good night’s sleep, you not only wake up refreshed, but
ready to face the day. You feel more positive, and are more motivated to
accomplish whatever faces you.
When you don’t have a good night sleep, being sleepy or tired can affect
your concentration, your motivation and your attitude about anything you
have to do that day. It has a negative impact on your ability to get along
with others, communicate and listen.”
Melanie Crumpler, LCSW
“Sleep is very important. Children need to sleep in a dark, quiet room.
(Small night-lights are ok.) I recommend that televisions, computerized
games and music be off be off one hour prior to bedtime. I like a “lights
out” plan; 30 to 60 minutes prior to bedtime, children should be in their
room with all nightly chores done. (Showered, pajamas on, teeth brushed,
etc). Before bed, quiet activities like reading a book, coloring a picture
or playing with a toy is best for winding down. Older kids can read or
write in a journal. Also, I recommend no caffeine or sugared drinks! Even
de-caffeinated drinks contain some caffeine that can affect sleep patterns.
Parents have reported that after putting my “lights out” plan in place,
their children have improved sleep patterns, better behavior and better
grades in school.”
Robert “Bob” Deckert, PA-C
recall. All school aged children need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to
achieve this level of brain function. Lack of sleep causes irritability,
nervousness, inability to focus and retain information. Some of the best
ways to assess if patients are sleeping well is seeing how well their school
grades are because the most successful children are those that have good
sleep hygiene and eat nutritious, balanced meals.”
Veronica Romero, PA-C
“A good night sleep can make or break your mood and attitude going into the
following day. Children, pre-teens and teens need 9 to 10 hours of sleep
everyday.
When you have a good night’s sleep, you not only wake up refreshed, but
ready to face the day. You feel more positive, and are more motivated to
accomplish whatever faces you.
When you don’t have a good night sleep, being sleepy or tired can affect
your concentration, your motivation and your attitude about anything you
have to do that day. It has a negative impact on your ability to get along
with others, communicate and listen.”
Melanie Crumpler, LCSW
“Sleep is very important. Children need to sleep in a dark, quiet room.
(Small night-lights are ok.) I recommend that televisions, computerized
games and music be off be off one hour prior to bedtime. I like a “lights
out” plan; 30 to 60 minutes prior to bedtime, children should be in their
room with all nightly chores done. (Showered, pajamas on, teeth brushed,
etc). Before bed, quiet activities like reading a book, coloring a picture
or playing with a toy is best for winding down. Older kids can read or
write in a journal. Also, I recommend no caffeine or sugared drinks! Even
de-caffeinated drinks contain some caffeine that can affect sleep patterns.
Parents have reported that after putting my “lights out” plan in place,
their children have improved sleep patterns, better behavior and better
grades in school.”
Robert “Bob” Deckert, PA-C
