Compared to adults, children should develop good sleep habits from an early age. Sleep is a vital state of brain activity in humans. For children, it's even more crucial for their health compared to adults.

Proper sleep can support a child's growth, enhance their immune system, and aid in brain development.

Different ages of children have varying sleep requirements. Generally, younger children need more sleep.

Parents often seek advice for their children's sleep issues, such as staying up late, difficulty falling asleep without coaxing, and frequent nighttime awakenings.

From a growth and development perspective, staying up late can have significant negative effects. Firstly, it prevents the brain from getting adequate rest, leading to drowsiness and poor concentration, especially in school-age children, impacting their learning.

Secondly, while genetics primarily determine height, nutrition and hormonal factors play crucial roles. The brain's pituitary gland secretes growth hormone, with the highest secretion occurring during sleep, particularly between 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM and from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

Insufficient sleep can disrupt this secretion, affecting a child's growth. Thirdly, inadequate sleep can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses.

How to ensure children get quality sleep

Firstly, establish a consistent bedtime routine. Children should avoid overly stimulating activities half an hour to an hour before bedtime. Parents should refrain from engaging in rowdy play, instead opting for calming activities like reading.

A bedtime routine can help signal to the child that it's time to sleep, including activities like bathing, drinking milk, brushing teeth, reading a bedtime story, and then turning off the lights. Once established, try not to change these rules frequently.

Secondly, be attentive to your child's sleep cues. Children often exhibit signs like rubbing their eyes, tugging their ears, or appearing drowsy when they're ready for sleep. Parents can help them transition to sleep during these moments.

It's also normal for infants and young children to wake up at night. If your child suddenly cries during sleep, resist rushing to them immediately.

Instead, wait a few minutes, as most children wake up briefly and return to sleep on their own. If the crying persists, soothe your child in a way that both you and your child find comfortable, such as offering a pacifier.

Thirdly, teach your child to fall asleep in their bed. When your child is drowsy but still awake, place them in bed to learn how to fall asleep independently. When children can fall asleep on their own, they're more likely to return to sleep without crying if they wake up during the night.

Fourthly, encourage moderate outdoor exercise during the day. Structuring your child's daytime activities can help them expend energy and sleep better at night.

Developing healthy sleep habits in childhood is crucial for a child's growth, immunity, and overall well-being.

By adhering to a consistent bedtime routine, recognizing sleep cues, teaching children to self-soothe, and promoting daytime physical activity, parents can significantly improve their child's sleep quality and overall health.