For normal development, young children need not only wakefulness, but also rest. Sleeping at night alone is not enough for this, so most babies happily sleep during the day. However, after two years there is refusal of daytime sleep, and many mothers are perplexed: is this necessary or is this an alarming signal?

Why does a child need a nap during the day?

In order to develop harmoniously, the baby must rest periodically. Sleep helps him completely remove the load from the nervous system and physically relax. Pediatricians' observations of children of different ages show that healthy sleep makes children calmer, more balanced, promotes the development of their memory and attention, and strengthens their psyche.

A rested child is adequate, is not capricious, and reacts correctly to the comments of elders. He is more willing to follow a daily routine, does not get overtired and gets sick less.

Up to the age of two, children usually sleep as much as their body requires. When they wake up, they are cheerful and can play independently for quite a long time, without requiring the attention of adults. By the age of two, when the child’s psyche becomes more complex and he experiences fears, anxiety, and discomfort from various circumstances, a refusal to nap during the day may follow.

This is where parents have to solve a difficult problem: how to organize a child’s normal sleep and wakefulness in order to ensure his full intellectual and mental development.

Sleep norm for a child

Children of different ages need different amounts of sleep. For example, babies up to three months need to sleep from 16 to 20 hours a day, and after a year, 13.5 is enough. By the age of four, babies sleep an average of 11.5 hours. Six-year-olds - about 10. And middle schoolers can fully relax if they sleep at least 8-9 hours a day.

If a child sleeps less, but his performance does not decrease, he is cheerful, fresh and not capricious, then he has his own “norm”. However, significant deviations from the above indicators are rare.

Pediatricians say that the need for daytime sleep can persist in a child up to 12 years or more. This is normal, but naps should not be seen as compensation for sleepless nights, late nights studying or playing games.

Refusal to nap most often occurs by the age of three, but can happen earlier - around two.

“Why doesn’t he want to sleep?”

– I was so calm when my baby slept during the day! For two whole hours I could calmly do housework, my own affairs, I could even take a nap next to him, and now everything has turned upside down! He doesn’t sleep, he’s capricious, I’m freaking out, things aren’t getting done – it’s a nightmare!

Such cries for help are heard quite often: young mothers ask for advice from more experienced parents.

There are not many reasons for refusal:

• The kid just wasn't very tired. If you don’t walk with him in the fresh air, he doesn’t move much, then he may not want to sleep
• The child is overexcited. This happens if, immediately before his nap, you turned on a dynamic cartoon for him to watch, played sports with him, etc.
• The room is too stuffy and the baby is uncomfortable. The optimal room temperature for children's sleep should not exceed 18-20°
• Something is distracting the baby. For example, there are other children in the house who do not go to bed during the day and are noisy
• The short-sightedness of parents who could say in their hearts: “If you behave badly, I’ll put you to bed!” In the child's mind, daytime sleep began to be associated with punishment. And who likes to be punished?

There is another option that the baby has simply matured and sleeps well at night, completely choosing his own sleep norm. In this case, you don't have to worry at all: he's getting enough rest.

If the baby is irritable and tired, but does not sleep during the day, you should not hope that by the evening he will be tired and sleep well. In most cases, the effect is the opposite: the baby cannot sleep properly at night. If a clear cause cannot be identified, consult a doctor, he will help determine it.

Psychologists give good advice. They say adults often place undue emphasis on rules. If your child feels well and is developing according to his age, allow him not to sleep during the day, but offer him a calm, exciting activity - for example, reading a book or drawing.

stay awakeattentionagedaytimelRefusal of napsdevelopmentchildren's developmentchildsleepsleepquiet hour

Sleep and weight loss

Research by doctors and scientists confirms that without proper sleep you will not be able to lose weight.

Lack of sleep and constant fatigue are stressful. The body considers this condition dangerous, as a result of which fat burning and metabolic processes slow down. All energy remains “in reserve”. And extra pounds too.

If you eat properly, don’t miss a single workout, and the weight doesn’t fall, you should think about it: maybe your body doesn’t have enough rest.

Hormonal imbalances and excess weight due to lack of sleep are closely interrelated.

Peak production of melatonin (the main hormone regulating sleep and circadian rhythms) occurs between 11:00 pm and 2 am. It sets the rhythm of the production of all other hormones day and night. With chronic lack of sleep, the secretion of melatonin and the entire hormonal balance are disrupted. As a result, with excess estrogen and decreased production of testosterone or thyroid-stimulating hormone, body weight increases.

• When there is a lot of stress, anxiety and constant nervousness, too much cortisol is released, which also stimulates the accumulation of fat to protect the body in difficult times.
• We all know serotonin – the hormone of happiness. If there is a lack of it, fat burning slows down. Therefore, if you are depressed and in a bad mood, it will be difficult to lose weight.
• Late-night snacking stimulates blood glucose spikes. Following this, insulin levels increase and melatonin decreases. The result is problems falling asleep and no weight loss.

Not so long ago, the hormones of satiety and hunger - leptin and ghrelin - were discovered. With a lack of rest and sleep, the feeling of hunger is felt much stronger and more often.

Only healthy sleep will allow you to normalize all metabolic processes, including establishing metabolism and effective fat burning.

Recently, more and more people have begun to talk about how beneficial naps are. Medical scientists confirm that such short-term rest has a positive effect on mental and physical abilities, restores the body’s strength, after which the person is again able to cope with everyday tasks. However, there are those who believe that this alone has not proven the benefits of daytime sleep. How much sleep do you need during the day so as not to feel exhausted later? And is it even worth going to bed in the middle of the day?

Daytime sleep duration

To determine whether daytime naps replenish energy and whether extra rest during the day is harmful or beneficial, scientists conducted tests. They were attended by people of different professions living in different countries. The results turned out to be very interesting. Although in most cases it was confirmed that taking a nap during the day is beneficial for health, there were exceptions. For example, passenger airplane pilots, after forty-five minutes of sleep, felt as if they were regularly sleep deprived.

Thanks to this experiment, it was possible to establish that the duration of daytime sleep plays an important role. So, in order to feel good and regain strength, you need to sleep for either twenty minutes or more than sixty minutes. Then either the deep sleep phase will not have time to set in, or it will already end. The main thing is not to allow sleep to last longer than two hours during the day. Will such a dream be beneficial or harmful? Those who slept more than two hours during the day will agree with the conclusions of doctors: a person’s emotional and physical condition worsens, his reactions slow down, and his mental abilities decrease.

Benefits of naps

Daytime sleep: harm or benefit for the human body? As already mentioned, it all depends on its duration. If a person sleeps for twenty minutes during the day, this promotes a kind of brain reboot. After such a dream, thinking abilities accelerate, the body feels a surge of strength. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to relax a little during the day, you should take advantage of it. What exactly are the benefits of daytime sleep?

• relieves tension;
• increases productivity and attention;
• perception and memory improves;
• is the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• relieves drowsiness;
• increases the desire to work physically;
• compensates for lack of night sleep;
• increases creativity.

Sleeping during the day and losing weight

Those who watch their figure greatly value daytime sleep. Is sleeping during the day beneficial or harmful for weight loss? Of course, only benefit. After all, sufficient sleep during the day allows the body to work properly. If a person does not get enough sleep, hormonal imbalances begin in the body, and carbohydrates cease to be absorbed. And this can lead to excess weight gain and even diabetes. Daytime sleep can make up for a short night's rest and promote proper metabolism.

It's also good to know that short naps during the day reduce your cortisol levels. But it is he who is responsible for the gain of subcutaneous fat. And a surge of strength after waking up will contribute to active sports. This also contributes to weight loss.

The harm of daytime sleep

Can daytime naps cause harm? Yes, if, as mentioned above, a person sleeps for more than two hours or if he wakes up when the body has entered the deep sleep phase. In this case, all the person’s abilities will be reduced, reactions will be slowed down, and time will be wasted. If, having fallen asleep, a person does not wake up after twenty minutes, it is better to wake him up in another fifty minutes, when the phase of deep sleep and its final stage - dreams - have passed. Then there will be no harm from daytime sleep.

Also, getting a good rest during the day can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. If this happens regularly, the body may get used to being awake at night and insomnia will develop.

Fighting sleepiness

People often think about the question: “Daytime naps: harm or benefit?” - people who struggle with sleepiness during work hours. The reason for this condition is regular lack of sleep at night. But not everyone has the opportunity to lie down for a few minutes during the day. Therefore, the manifestations of hypersomnia need to be combated. How? First, get enough sleep at night. Scientists say that enough for an adult means seven to nine hours. In addition, you should not fall asleep watching TV, argue before bed, play active games, or work hard mentally.

You won't feel sleepy during the day if you try to wake up and go to bed at the same time, even on weekends. You should also fall asleep no later than ten or eleven o'clock, but not in the early evening. Otherwise, sleep at night will not be as effective and daytime sleepiness will not disappear.

What else do you need for a healthy night's sleep?

So, if you get enough sleep at night, you won't need a nap during the day. Is proper nutrition and exercise beneficial or harmful to sleep? Of course, for any body, regular and balanced nutrition and physical activity are only beneficial. Normal, nutritious meals normalize circadian rhythms. Therefore, you should have dinner at least three hours before bedtime.

Exercise for half an hour a day will also help you fall asleep calmly and quickly. Aerobic exercise is especially beneficial for the body. A healthy lifestyle also includes avoiding drinking alcohol before bed. This is due to the fact that alcohol prevents sleep from reaching the deep phase, and the body cannot fully rest.

It is important to understand that daytime sleep is not a whim of lazy people, but a necessity for the body. It improves overall well-being, increases performance and strengthens the immune system.

Some children sleep during the day with pleasure, others begin to sabotage the process literally at one and a half to two years. And many parents are quite happy with this, because in this case, babies usually sleep longer at night, giving their mothers and fathers the opportunity to get some sleep too.

So do children need to sleep during the day? How to organize a daytime nap? What do experts think about all this?

A little theory

It is estimated that we sleep a good third of our lives. Moreover, if earlier doctors believed that sleep was only an opportunity for a tired body to rest and “come to its senses,” then research conducted in recent years has proven: in addition to restoring strength, sleep has another, very important meaning. In this case, not only the fact of sleep is important, but also its quality and quantity. Those of us who sleep regularly, correctly and as much as the body requires, have better immunity, intelligence, memory, and cognitive abilities. For children, sleep is even more important than for adults, because it is during the slow phase of sleep that growth hormone is released, thanks to which children grow.

Those parents who believe that tired children sleep, and if they don’t sleep, it means they aren’t tired, it would be good to know that when sleep disorder and while awake, children face such troubles as:

• delayed physical, mental and intellectual development
• excess weight (children intuitively try to compensate for lost energy by consuming more calories)
• Bad mood
• irritability
• moodiness, etc.

A situation in which children sleep for a long time at night, but at the same time ignore naps, is also not very good for their development and well-being. Research by scientists from the University of California has shown that even a short nap during the day has the most beneficial effect on children. Those children who regularly sleep during the day have a better mood, a more optimistic outlook on life, and they develop faster than their peers.

How much and how should children sleep?

The amount of sleep children need for normal well-being and development depends on age. Of course, there are children who love to sleep and indulge in this activity selflessly and with complete dedication, and there are those who do not sleep themselves and do not let their parents sleep. However, doctors are categorical: there are minimum sleep standards that must be adhered to:

• Newborns should sleep at least (!) 11 - 15 hours and from five to ten times a day.
• Young children need 11 to 13 hours of sleep per day. In this case, night sleep should be at least 9 hours, and during the day the child needs to sleep twice for 1.5 - 2 hours or once for 2.5 - 3 hours.
• Preschoolers need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per day.

Of course, all children are different. However, experience shows that if a newborn baby chooses when to sleep and when to stay awake, but at the same time is capricious, nervous or eats poorly, it is necessary to help him. Try to establish at least a semblance of a routine, and, most likely, the baby will become much calmer and more cheerful.

Daytime sleep disorders

Somnologists note that two types of daytime sleep disorders most often occur in children:

1. The child is in no way doesn't want to sleep during the day. If they do put him to bed, he cannot fall asleep for a very long time, or even after suffering for a couple of hours, he still does not fall asleep. Moreover, such children usually sleep excessively long at night, waking up after ten or eleven o’clock in the morning.

2. The baby sleeps during the day (willingly or after being put to bed for a long time - it doesn’t matter), but for so long that he then turns into a sort of connecting rod bear who just can’t sleep in the evening, suffers himself and doesn’t let his family sleep until almost midnight. Moreover, after too much sleep, the child usually wakes up in a bad mood, cannot get away from sleep for a long time, and is capricious.

It is important to understand that both options are not the norm and should not be this way. And parents who “let go” of the situation and believe that the child’s body will “take its toll” are doing something fundamentally wrong. After all, any sleep disorder is harmful to the health of children.

How to help with daytime sleep disorders

Problem one: the child does not sleep during the day

First aid for any daytime sleep disorders- a clear and strictly observed regime. Many parents whose children do not sleep at home are surprised that in kindergarten their children, albeit without much pleasure, still meekly go to the bedroom at the appointed time, where they quickly fall asleep and sleep sweetly throughout the “quiet hour.” And it’s not only about the influence of the team, but also about the established regime once and for all. Children, once “on the rails,” obey the regime, including in matters of sleep.

The immature nervous system of preschool children suffers in the “free” mode, but in fact - in the complete absence of it. Therefore, parents who want to help their children will have to step on their own throat and be sure to think through the optimal regime for the child and demand its obligatory observance.

Mandatory elements of the daily routine should be:

• A fairly long walk before nap. The child should take a breath of fresh air, run and jump in order to release accumulated energy, “work up” an appetite and get tired.
• A hearty lunch after the walk.
• Hygiene procedures (going to the toilet, washing, possibly showering).

In addition, the child’s daily schedule must include active games, activities, and gymnastics.

After feeding the baby and making sure he goes to the toilet, close the curtains in the room and ask the baby to “lie down a little” to rest, read him a book or sing a lullaby. A long walk, a hearty lunch, and habitual actions repeated day after day that prepare the child for sleep will definitely do their job, and the baby will fall asleep before he gets tired of rest.

Problem two: long naps during the day

As with the first problem, first of all, it is necessary to establish a regime. Day after day, week after week, you need to stick to the same schedule.

Optimal time for nap(if the child does not attend kindergarten) - 13 - 14 hours. Don't let your child sleep as long as he wants. Waking up at 16 o'clock or even a little later, the baby will have time to get tired before going to bed at night.

When the baby sleeps for the required number of hours (no longer than three), begin to gently and affectionately wake him up:

• open the door,
• turn on soft, pleasant music,
• get your child’s favorite musical or moving toy,
• start talking to family members in a loud voice,
• if it’s already twilight or even dark outside, turn on a dim light,
• Start preparing your child’s favorite dish, let him be awakened by appetite-stimulating and mood-improving aromas.

All this will help the child wake up without stress, in a good mood and not too late.

In order for children whose daily routine includes mandatory naps to fall asleep well and without whims in the evening, somnologists recommend avoiding watching TV after 19.00, and instead playing quiet games with children before going to bed and be sure to adhere to the bedtime ritual. At the same time, they draw attention to the fact that this ritual should be simple and feasible in any conditions: at the dacha, visiting grandma, on the road, while relaxing in a sanatorium, etc. After all, a complex, intricate ritual can complicate the life of a family outside their home. Having become accustomed, for example, to looking at the stars before going to bed through a telescope installed on the balcony of an apartment, a child may experience problems going to bed while traveling, since an important element of the usual ritual was left at home.

Photo - photobank Lori

Sleep issues and problems are among the most pressing for parents. The importance of proper rest for children can hardly be overestimated, however, the immaturity of the nervous system and some external reasons often prevent children from sleeping according to the age-appropriate schedule. Daytime sleep sometimes confuses mothers: the child categorically refuses to go to bed or, if he does fall asleep, cannot calm down for a long time in the evening. Until what age does a child need naps during the day from a physiological point of view? Why do children sleep in kindergarten and not sleep during the day at home? Should I insist on going to bed or should I still come to terms with the fact that the child has “outgrown” naps?

Why does a child need a nap during the day?

During any sleep - both daytime and nighttime, the nervous system and the entire body are restored after stress during wakefulness. For children, sleep is especially important: the REM sleep phase is associated with memorizing received information, and therefore with the mental development of the baby; During the slow-wave sleep phase, the production of growth hormones is activated. In addition, the nervous system of a preschooler is not yet very stable; it is just being formed, but at the same time it is constantly exposed to new impressions, events, and information. Only a sufficient amount of restful sleep, night and day, can provide high-quality “unloading” of the nervous system, and as a result, maintain the health and normal development of the child. Daytime sleep is no less important than nighttime sleep, since it allows you to divide a day full of impressions into two parts, which greatly facilitates the task of processing information for the brain and nervous system.

Some parents believe that if their baby “gets” the daily requirement of 11-12 hours of sleep per night, then he does not need daytime sleep. However, all pediatricians and pediatric neurologists are convinced of the importance of quiet time for preschool children. Thus, Vladislav Remirovich Kuchma, director of the Research Institute of Hygiene and Health Protection of Children and Adolescents of the Scientific Center for Children's Health of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, states:

“Sleep is an essential element of a child’s life. And this is not only free time for parents, who can go about their business while the baby is sleeping. Sleep is a natural manifestation of a child's life cycle and is characterized by a certain frequency. If a newborn sleeps 19 hours a day, then by preschool age the duration of sleep decreases. But one and a half to two hours of daytime sleep remain mandatory.”

Various studies on the topic of daytime sleep in children prove: preschoolers who sleep during the day have better concentration, behave more calmly, require less attention from adults, are less tired and overexcited, and are less likely to get sick compared to peers who sleep only at night.

Daytime sleep duration by age

The approximate number of hours of sleep according to the baby's age is shown in the table.

Age	How much sleep should a child sleep per day?	Night sleep	Daytime nap
Newborn		up to 5-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep	1-2 hours every hour
1-2 months			4 sleeps of 40 minutes-1.5 hours; only about 6 hours
3-4 months	17-18 hours	10-11 o'clock	3 naps of 1-2 hours
5-6 months		10-12 hours	Switch to 2 sleeps of 1.5-2 hours
7-9 months
10-12 months			2 naps of 1.5-2.5 hours
	13-14 hours	10-11 o'clock	2 sleeps of 1.5-2.5 hours; it is possible to switch to 1 nap during the day
		10-11 o'clock	Transition to 1 nap: 2.5-3 hours
	12-13 hours	10-11 o'clock
Over 7 years old	at least 8-9 hours	at least 8-9 hours	not necessary

Until what age do children sleep during the day?

It is difficult to answer the question until what age should a child sleep during the day, since this formulation of the question is somewhat incorrect. Most parents understand that getting a small child to sleep if he doesn't want to is a daunting task. You can only try and make efforts to ensure that the child’s regimen is close to optimal for his age.

The nervous system of a preschooler is in the process of formation, so it is difficult for him to endure the abundance of impressions of the whole day without an intermediate “quiet hour”. That's why neurologists recommend putting children to sleep during the day until they are 6-8 years old. The younger the child, the greater his need for daytime sleep. If an older preschooler (5-6 years old) does not suffer particularly from lack of rest during the day, for a child under 3 years of age, continuous wakefulness for 11-12 hours can result in behavioral problems (expressiveness of behavior, whims, hysterics), deterioration in learning ability and even decreased immunity . Therefore, parents should try to maintain naps during the day for as long as possible. “Disruptions” and deviations from the regime are possible, but with the persistence of adults, the baby will be sure that sleeping during the day is necessary. It is not for nothing that in kindergartens most children sleep during quiet hours, but at home, on weekends, it is difficult to put them to bed. It's a matter of discipline, including the self-discipline of parents.

In children 7-8 years old, the need for daytime rest may continue, especially taking into account adaptation to new mental stress at school. Do not forbid your child to sleep after school if he wants. And if he refuses, at least advise him to start doing homework after a little rest (not in front of the TV, of course).

What is the normal length of daytime sleep?

Despite the fact that doctors recommend that all children under 7-8 years old sleep for one and a half to two hours during the day, some children can get by with a short nap - about an hour, or even 30-40 minutes. Should parents worry? It depends on the behavior and condition of the child. If he is cheerful, cheerful, plays actively, and is not capricious, we can say that a short daytime rest is enough for him.

What to do if the child does not want to sleep during the day?

Parents of children who refuse naps at an early age are usually quite rightly concerned about whether this is harmful to their health. Only during infancy can one still be sure that the child will “sleep” the number of hours he needs. Children over 2 years old have much more complex mental reactions - new fears, worries and overexcitation often prevent them from falling asleep. Long-term lack of sleep can affect not only a child’s behavior (whims, irritability) and educational abilities, but also susceptibility to colds and the pace of physical and mental development.

• The actions of parents who want to maintain a “quiet hour” in the child’s daily routine depend on the reasons that caused the refusal to sleep during the day:

1. If a baby sleeps the number of hours appropriate for his age, but does it “in one sitting,” at night, it becomes clear why he does not want to sleep during the day. In this case, you should not force him to sleep, because we all know that falling asleep through force is very difficult. But you should still try to divide your daily sleep (for example, 12 hours) into two stages: 10 hours of night sleep and 2 hours of daytime sleep. This will help your child be calmer in the afternoon. Set a clear routine. If your child goes to kindergarten, try to stick to a daily schedule on weekends. Children at home should also get up and go to bed at the same time - then there will be no problems with daytime sleep.
2. The baby is captivated by some kind of game and categorically refuses to sleep: in this case, you need to try to smoothly switch his attention to the activities that usually precede daytime sleep (reading a book, changing clothes).
3. In a state of overstimulation, children often cannot fall asleep, but they need it. The task of the parents in this case is to “calm down” the child, getting him interested in a quiet game, reading or doing something together. A good option is this game while reading, when the parent invites the child to imagine with closed eyes what is described in the book. Gradually the baby will calm down and be able to fall asleep.
4. Perhaps you put your child to bed too early, and he is simply not tired enough to want to sleep. Try shifting your bedtime by half an hour to an hour.
5. All children go through periods of no napping. Parental confidence and persistence help the child return to his usual daily routine.

And a few more tips for parents:

• Teach your child to nap by example. You don't need to sleep, but lying down next to your baby when he falls asleep and closing your eyes won't hurt.
• Remember: the process of falling asleep in children takes longer than in adults. 30-40 minutes is the norm. If your child doesn't fall asleep within 15 minutes, don't give up.
• For a comfortable daytime sleep, a child needs silence and relative darkness.
• Keep an eye on your child's biorhythms: perhaps a small change in routine will help you come to an agreement about daytime sleep.
• Don't scold your child if he still doesn't fall asleep. Of course, an hour and a half of trying to lay it down will drive anyone crazy, but still try to control yourself.
• Explain to your baby that he needs sleep, not you. He must understand that sleeping during the day is not a punishment, but an opportunity to relax and gain new strength for games in the evening.
• If your child doesn't sleep, at least let him play quiet games or listen to you read in the middle of the day. Such rest is not as effective for unloading the nervous system, but it is better than actively staying awake all day.
• One-time deviations from the regime are not a big deal. If you are invited to a birthday party or other event in the middle of the day, do not refuse due to strict rules.

In conclusion, I would like to say: few people can predict at what age your child will stop sleeping during the day. But parents can at least try to maintain such a beneficial vacation longer. We wish your children health and good restful sleep!

Some children sleep during the day with pleasure, others begin to sabotage the process literally at one and a half to two years. And many parents are quite happy with this, because in this case, babies usually sleep longer at night, giving their mothers and fathers the opportunity to get some sleep too.

So do children need to sleep during the day? How to organize a daytime nap? What do experts think about all this?

A little theory

It is estimated that we sleep a good third of our lives. Moreover, if earlier doctors believed that sleep was only an opportunity for a tired body to rest and “come to its senses,” then research conducted in recent years has proven that in addition to restoring strength, sleep has another, very important meaning. In this case, not only the fact of sleep is important, but also its quality and quantity. Those of us who sleep regularly, correctly and as much as the body requires, have better immunity, intelligence, memory, and cognitive abilities. For children, sleep is even more important than for adults, because it is during the slow phase of sleep that growth hormone is released, thanks to which children grow.

Those parents who believe that tired children sleep, and if they don’t sleep, it means they aren’t tired, it would be good to know that when sleep disorder and while awake, children face such troubles as:

• delayed physical, mental and intellectual development
• excess weight (children intuitively try to compensate for lost energy by consuming more calories)
• Bad mood
• irritability
• moodiness, etc.

A situation in which children sleep for a long time at night, but at the same time ignore naps, is also not very good for their development and well-being. Research by scientists from the University of California has shown that even a short nap during the day has the most beneficial effect on children. Those children who regularly sleep during the day have a better mood, a more optimistic outlook on life, and they develop faster than their peers.

How much and how should children sleep?

The amount of sleep children need for normal well-being and development depends on age. Of course, there are children who love to sleep and indulge in this activity selflessly and with complete dedication, and there are those who do not sleep themselves and do not let their parents sleep. However, doctors are categorical: there are minimum sleep standards that must be adhered to:

• Newborns should sleep at least (!) 11 - 15 hours and from five to ten times a day.
• Young children need 11 to 13 hours of sleep per day. In this case, night sleep should be at least 9 hours, and during the day the child needs to sleep twice for 1.5 - 2 hours or once for 2.5 - 3 hours.
• Preschoolers need 10–11 hours of sleep per day.

Of course, all children are different. However, experience shows that if a newborn baby chooses when to sleep and when to stay awake, but at the same time is capricious, nervous or eats poorly, it is necessary to help him. Try at least a semblance of it, and, most likely, the baby will become much calmer and more cheerful.

Daytime sleep disorders

Somnologists note that two types of daytime sleep disorders most often occur in children:

1. The child is in no way doesn't want to sleep during the day. If they do put him to bed, he cannot fall asleep for a very long time, or even after suffering for a couple of hours, he still does not fall asleep. Moreover, such children usually sleep excessively long at night, waking up after ten or eleven o’clock in the morning.

2. The baby sleeps during the day (willingly or after being put to bed for a long time - it doesn’t matter), but for so long that he then turns into a sort of connecting rod bear who just can’t sleep in the evening, suffers himself and doesn’t let his family sleep until almost midnight. Moreover, after too much sleep, the child usually wakes up in a bad mood, cannot get away from sleep for a long time, and is capricious.

It is important to understand that both options are not the norm and should not be this way. And parents who “let go” of the situation and believe that the child’s body will “take its toll” are doing something fundamentally wrong. After all, any sleep disorder is harmful to the health of children.

How to help with daytime sleep disorders

Problem one: the child does not sleep during the day

First aid for any daytime sleep disorders- a clear and strictly observed regime. Many parents whose children do not sleep at home are surprised that in kindergarten their children, albeit without much pleasure, still meekly go to the bedroom at the appointed time, where they quickly fall asleep and sleep sweetly throughout the “quiet hour.” And it’s not only about the influence of the team, but also about the established regime once and for all. Children, once “on the rails,” obey the regime, including in matters of sleep.

The immature nervous system of preschoolers suffers in the “free” mode, but in fact - in the complete absence of it. Therefore, parents who want to help their children will have to step on their own throat and be sure to think through the optimal regime for the child and demand its obligatory observance.

Mandatory elements of the daily routine should be:

• A fairly long walk before nap. The child should take a breath of fresh air, run and jump in order to release accumulated energy, “work up” an appetite and get tired.
• A hearty lunch after the walk.
• Hygiene procedures (going to the toilet, washing, possibly showering).

In addition, the child’s daily schedule must include active games, activities, and gymnastics.

After feeding the baby and making sure he goes to the toilet, close the curtains in the room and ask the baby to “lie down a little” to rest, read him a book or sing a lullaby. A long walk, a hearty lunch, and habitual actions repeated day after day that prepare the child for sleep will definitely do their job, and the baby will fall asleep before he gets tired of rest.

Problem two: long naps during the day

As with the first problem, first of all, it is necessary to establish a regime. Day after day, week after week, you need to stick to the same schedule.

Optimal time for nap(if the child does not attend kindergarten) - 13 - 14 hours. Don't let your child sleep as long as he wants. Waking up at 16 o'clock or even a little later, the baby will have time to get tired before going to bed at night.

When the baby sleeps for the required number of hours (no longer than three), begin to gently and affectionately wake him up:

• open the door,
• turn on soft, pleasant music,
• get your child’s favorite musical or moving toy,
• start talking to family members in a loud voice,
• if it’s already twilight or even dark outside, turn on a dim light,
• Start preparing your child’s favorite dish, let him be awakened by appetite-stimulating and mood-improving aromas.

All this will help the child wake up without stress, in a good mood and not too late.

In order for children, whose daily routine includes a mandatory nap, to fall asleep well and without whims in the evening, somnologists recommend excluding watching TV after 19.00, and instead, before going to bed, play calm games with children and be sure to Stick to a bedtime ritual. At the same time, they draw attention to the fact that this ritual should be simple and feasible in any conditions: at the dacha, visiting grandma, on the road, while relaxing in a sanatorium, etc. After all, a complex, intricate ritual can complicate the life of a family outside their home. Having become accustomed, for example, to looking at the stars before going to bed through a telescope installed on the balcony of an apartment, a child may experience problems going to bed while traveling, since an important element of the usual ritual was left at home.

Photo - photobank Lori

Daytime rest is important for young children for normal development, especially under the age of 1 year. Evenly distributing the daily load with a break for sleep helps strengthen the immune system and increases the baby’s activity. A rested child feels better and is less capricious, and while the child sleeps, parents have a little free time, which is so lacking after the birth of a baby!

Daytime sleep norms

Up to a certain age, all babies sleep during the day, but as they grow older, their nap time gradually decreases.

Table: Daytime sleep norms from birth to 3 years

After three years of age, daytime naps are desirable, but not necessary. The time and duration of daytime sleep for young children depends on their individual needs, and children attending get used to a certain schedule.

What to do if the child does not want to sleep

In such a situation, there is no point in forcing or scolding a child - this will make him nervous, and in this state he will definitely not be able to fall asleep. When the baby wants to sleep on his own, it will be much easier for you to put him to sleep. However, you still need to keep track of the time, because an overtired child becomes capricious and makes it more difficult for him to fall asleep. You can help your child want to sleep in the following ways:

• Before daytime and nighttime sleep, make sure that your child’s games are not too active. After physical activity, the muscles are in good shape, and it is much more difficult to relax;
• If your baby watches cartoons before going to bed, they should be calm;
• Reading books and telling fairy tales helps a lot;
• The light in the room should not be too bright;
• The room should be ventilated, because you sleep better in the fresh air.

Common situation: Out of order

It happens that after 2 years a child stops sleeping during the day. The worried mother does everything to put him to sleep, but he does not always fall asleep right away, and this happens in the afternoon, and sometimes in the late afternoon. As a result, the mother wastes time, and the child does not want to lie still and expresses his dissatisfaction. The worst thing is that due to the shift in daytime sleep, night sleep is also shifted, as a result of which the child runs around the apartment until midnight and has difficulty waking up in the morning. Canceling daytime naps will help solve the problem. There is no need to worry about this - children know better than us what their body needs. Many parents are worried that it will be difficult for their baby to adapt to the routine, but this fear is unfounded. Firstly, the child will wake up much earlier in the morning, and his need for daytime sleep will increase. Secondly, in kindergarten they work with children, so they get tired faster. Thirdly, the whole group goes to bed, and the atmosphere itself is very conducive to rest.

For many mothers, this issue is truly a problem. And some are not at all upset when the child refuses to sleep during the day and simply stop putting him to bed. How do you understand at what age a child needs daytime sleep and whether he needs it at all?

In my opinion, children not only need naps, they need them. Almost all pediatricians, psychologists and neurologists say the same thing. Daytime sleep ensures proper mental and physical development.

I think many mothers have noticed how capricious a child becomes if he does not sleep during the day. This is exactly what happens here. Or, not falling asleep on time, the baby still falls asleep in the evening, giving mom a sleepless night.

• Daytime naps help babies cope with emotions and impressions received earlier. The children's nervous system is more susceptible to emotional overload.
• Daytime naps promote longer concentration. The baby becomes calm, can play independently for a long time and does not require increased attention.
• As I wrote above, daytime sleep has a beneficial effect on the mental and physical development of the baby and is a prevention of various neurological and psychological problems. Only during sleep is the functionality of nerve cells restored.
• Daytime naps help strengthen your immune system.

• Regular daytime sleep has a positive effect on the quality of learning. The child is more inclined to accept new knowledge. The reaction to failures in a child who has slept during the day is less tragic. This research is very well written about.
• According to scientists, children who sleep during the day have a positive attitude and adapt faster to an unfamiliar situation (according to the results of a study at the University of Colorado conducted by Monica LeBourgeois), which means that their socialization in new groups is better (for example, development centers, and schools).
• Growth hormone is produced during sleep. I don’t think it’s worth specifying how important this is.
• Regular napping during the day promotes sound sleep at night. Often, without sleeping during the day, children cannot sleep peacefully in the evening due to nervous overexcitation. Therefore, you should not hope that without a daytime nap the child will get more tired and fall asleep faster in the evening.

Read also: How to dress a child in kindergarten?

How long should a child sleep during the day?

What if the child does not want to sleep during the day?

Children do not want to sleep during the day for completely different reasons. Perhaps the child is simply not tired physically and emotionally or cannot fall asleep on his own. Or the room is very hot and stuffy (this happens to many people when the heating season begins). Or perhaps the mother simply does not have time to put the child to bed, so napping during the day cannot become a regular habit.

So, let's figure out what to do if the baby refuses to sleep during the day:

• The key to a good daytime sleep is. No matter how scary it may be for mothers, a routine for a child is a must. Children quickly get used to it and are ready to eat/walk/sleep at the appointed hour. If your baby doesn't want to fall asleep during the day, reconsider his daily routine. Perhaps the child wakes up late because he goes to bed late, so he’s simply not tired yet for nap time. Make morning walks regular (this is useful not only for the baby, but also for the mother). right after lunch. Thus, you will create certain rituals, by performing which, the child will more calmly agree to a daytime nap. The main thing is to always follow the established regime.