If your child is between one and four years old, they’re probably spending more time asleep than awake. This is normal and essential in early childhood for proper brain and body development. Here’s why they need it and how to help them get it.

Why Sleep Is So Important

Sleep promotes growth through hormones secreted mostly at night. It also helps develop a healthy heart. Children with sleep disorders often experience high glucose and cortisol levels resulting from stress. This can damage the vascular system and leave your child at risk for heart disease or diabetes later in life. Sleep may also help your child fight illnesses by producing proteins called cytokines, which boosts their immune system. More sleep helps your child develop a stronger attention span during early childhood and retain what they’ve learned throughout the day better. 

Tips to Get Your Child to Sleep

Consistency is key for getting your child to sleep, especially in early childhood. Always stick to the same bedtime and naptimes and maintain a consistent environment in the bedroom. Your child will not always want to fall asleep but enforcing a daily bedtime can train them in good sleep patterns. As they reach preschool age, nightmares might become more common and sleepwalking might occur. Try to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom by barring screens or phones and allowing as little light as possible. Teaching them relaxation around bedtime now will greatly benefit them in the long run. 

World of Knowledge Child Development Center in Lincoln, NE, offers premier childcare services, ranging from nursery school and early childhood to after school programs. Their dedicated and caring professionals are devoted to your toddler’s development, with stimulating activities that prepare them for preschool and beyond. For more information on what their early learning center can do for your child, call (402) 483-4769 or visit them online.