Although parents are well aware of the importance of adequate sleep in promoting health, not everyone knows about the role that napping plays in children’s emotional and physical development. In fact, child care centers make it a point to incorporate nap time in their education programs to help kids to get enough rest every day. Here’s why daytime napping can be just as vital as nighttime sleeping.

Why Naps Matter for Children

1. Improve Learning

While it has long been established that sleeping promotes learning at all ages, naps can particularly boost cognitive development during the early childhood years. Contrary to what some may believe, the brain is usually more productive when a person is asleep. According to several studies, kids in preschool who took naps performed better on certain tasks compared to those who didn’t nap.

Researchers discovered that this is possibly due to the existing connection between memory consolidation and brainwave activity during sleep. That’s why, when kids take naps, they more ably retain information; the brain actively processes memories in the course of the sleep stages.

2. Reduce Anxiety

Most parents know all too well the consequences of napless days. Kids are more likely to throw tantrums when they lack sleep because they tend to feel more anxious and irritable. This has been backed up by research, and studies have shown that negative emotions spike when young children go through the day without a nap. One possible explanation is that kids have a harder time coping with daily challenges when they don’t have enough rest. To address this issue, child care centers and parents should make it a point to set aside time for napping.

3. Fight Obesity

Children who don’t have a regular sleeping schedule or who lack sleep are said to be more prone to becoming obese. One reason for this is that they tend to eat more when tired, and often, they crave high-carbohydrate and high-fat food. Also, kids become too tired to exercise or do physical activities when they don’t sleep enough. Getting in some quick shut-eye at home or at child care is a smart way to combat this problem.

Wilde Kingdom Early Learning Center in Fairfield, OH, is the right child care center for your child if you’re looking for a creative, safe, and caring environment. Their highly-trained and qualified professionals are always eager to provide children with the education they deserve, whether they are enrolled in a program for infants, toddlers, prekindergarteners, or preschoolers. Call (513) 563-9453 to schedule a tour around this trusted child development center, or visit their website to explore their programs.