Let me first start off by saying that sleep is important for a healthy physical body, brain, immune system, behavior--the list goes on. It is that important. Just like feeding a child junk food all day long will be bad for his body, unhealthy sleep will be bad for his body. You need healthy sleep to function at your best, especially when you are young and
growing and learning at such a rapid rate.
One of the benefits of adequate sleep is that a baby that gets plenty of rest (especially at night) results in a mom getting more rest which makes everyone much happier. Seriously, how good of a mom, wife, friend etc. are you when you are totally sleep deprived?
A well rested baby is certainly a much happier baby who is more pleasant to be around and easier to take care of. He also has periods of optimal wakefulness which improves learning. So don't worry if your baby sleeps so much that he don't seem to be awake enough to gain any new skills. He simply takes more in during his short periods of wake time.
The Baby Whisperer, who has helped thousands of people with their young babies, states that "SLEEP IS THE NUMBER ONE issue that plagues parents from the moment they bring their baby home from the hospital" (with eating and discipline coming next). If you've already had a baby you are probably shaking your head yes at this comment. I know I am. Having a baby that doesn't sleep well is stressful on not just mom or dad, but the entire family. It's effects are far outreaching. This is why it is important to ensure a baby (and eventually toddler etc.) learns to sleep well. Not only will this help make everyone much healthier and happier in the short run, but good sleeping habits will be with your child for the rest of his life.
Additional Benefits of Adequate Sleep
Related Post:
Why Sleep is Way Important- Effects of Inadequate Sleep
growing and learning at such a rapid rate.
One of the benefits of adequate sleep is that a baby that gets plenty of rest (especially at night) results in a mom getting more rest which makes everyone much happier. Seriously, how good of a mom, wife, friend etc. are you when you are totally sleep deprived?
A well rested baby is certainly a much happier baby who is more pleasant to be around and easier to take care of. He also has periods of optimal wakefulness which improves learning. So don't worry if your baby sleeps so much that he don't seem to be awake enough to gain any new skills. He simply takes more in during his short periods of wake time.
The Baby Whisperer, who has helped thousands of people with their young babies, states that "SLEEP IS THE NUMBER ONE issue that plagues parents from the moment they bring their baby home from the hospital" (with eating and discipline coming next). If you've already had a baby you are probably shaking your head yes at this comment. I know I am. Having a baby that doesn't sleep well is stressful on not just mom or dad, but the entire family. It's effects are far outreaching. This is why it is important to ensure a baby (and eventually toddler etc.) learns to sleep well. Not only will this help make everyone much healthier and happier in the short run, but good sleeping habits will be with your child for the rest of his life.
Additional Benefits of Adequate Sleep
- Studies of 3 year olds who nap (especially long naps) show that they are more adaptable which is a predictor of school success. (Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child)
- Growth Hormone is released while you sleep. Growth spurts have been found to be often followed by an increased length and weight in babies which may be due to an increase in growth hormone at this time.
Related Post:
Why Sleep is Way Important- Effects of Inadequate Sleep
Thanks for this site,i truely know the importance of sleep for babies. So far I dont have any problem in comes of sleeping habit of my 1 and 2 months old baby boy. He sleeps 14 hours a day include a nap at daytime and I pretty much thankful for that. I can do all my tasks when he is sleeping and I have time for myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this site,i truely know the importance of sleep for babies. So far I dont have any problem in comes of sleeping habit of my 1 and 2 months old baby boy. He sleeps 14 hours a day include a nap at daytime and I pretty much thankful for that. I can do all my tasks when he is sleeping and I have time for myself.
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