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Infants’ sleep and quality of life
“Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy and makes you grow” is not just a Portuguese proverb, but a truth reflected in science. Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in children's physical and emotional health, directly influencing their development. Children who sleep well tend to be calmer and more cooperative, which improves family dynamics and creates a more balanced home environment.
Studies show that insufficient sleep in childhood can have serious long-term consequences, including health impacts such as increased risk of obesity and mental health problems and growth problems due to insufficient release of growth hormones during sleep. (font)
Infants who don't get enough sleep have other hormonal changes. The hormones that regulate hunger and appetite can be affected, causing the child to overeat and feel a preference for high-calorie carbohydrates. In addition, lack of sleep can affect the way the body metabolizes these carbohydrates, triggering insulin resistance, which is associated with diabetes. According to a British study, three-year-olds who slept less than 10.5 hours a night were 45% more likely to become obese by the time they turned seven.
Lack of sleep is also strongly associated with mood disorders, aggravating the risk of depression and hampering the ability to cope with stress and anxiety.
Sleep is also an important factor in the production of growth hormone (GH). This is influenced by factors such as nutrition, stress and physical exercise. However, in babies, sleep is the most important, as it is during the deepest phases of sleep that the greatest release of GH occurs, which is essential for proper growth. Thus, sleep becomes fundamental in child development, surpassing other factors in regulating the production of this hormone.
Well-rested babies, calmer parents
Insufficient sleep in infants increases the likelihood of tantrums, concentration difficulties and defiant behavior. All this makes it difficult to maintain a calm dynamic at home.
On the other hand, when children are rested, the atmosphere is lighter and more conducive to moments of affection and family connection. Children's rest has a direct impact on the well-being of the parents themselves. When infants sleep well, parents can sleep well too, which directly affects their physical and emotional well-being. They feel in a good mood, with more patience and openness to interact. This creates a positive cycle in which the whole family benefits from adequate sleep.
The influence of parental sleep on the ability to educate with empathy
Imagine you haven't slept a wink and neither has your baby. You're irritable and out of patience. How do you think you're going to deal with tense situations?
Without proper rest, it's natural for tolerance to be lower and emotions to be more on edge, allowing unimportant conflicts to become headaches. It becomes difficult to maintain an affectionate and constructive dialog with exhausted family members, which contributes little to a pleasant and healthy environment for children's development. Tired parents tend to be more impatient, while rested parents manage to stay calm, even in challenging situations. With a rested mind, decisions are clearer and more conscious, which contributes to the healthy maturation of children.
So, parents, don't underestimate the power of sleep and look for solutions that will allow you to have more restful nights. Here at Baby Sisters, we have a few already put together for you (check out our babysitting services here).
The importance of sleep as a family bonding tool
The role of sleep in emotional regeneration
And at times when something goes wrong or after a hectic day, restful sleep allows the mind and body to rest completely, “sleeping on it”. Don't forget to read a story, sing a song or do another pre-sleep routine that will help calm the mind and prepare the little ones for entering the world of dreams. The next day is then an opportunity to start off on the right foot. The whole family wakes up refreshed and with new energy, leaving behind any conflicts from the day before. Everyone can enjoy the day more and have calmer interactions, with joy and understanding.
Co-sleeping: emotional benefits beyond rest
There is a lot of disagreement when it comes to the concept of co-sleeping and whether it should be done or not. It is a practice that has its benefits. Physical closeness during the night helps to strengthen emotional bonds, building trust and security for the baby. For breastfeeding mothers, co-sleeping facilitates the night-time dynamic, allowing faster and more natural access to the child, which can improve both the mother's and the baby's sleep. This constant physical contact can also reduce parents' stress, as they are more connected to the child's needs and can respond quickly. Despite the benefits, it is essential to consider the risks of co-sleeping, such as suffocation or accidents. Safety must be prioritized. For safe co-sleeping, follow these recommendations:
Use a crib attached to the parents' bed, providing proximity and safety for the baby.
Keep dangerous objects away, such as pillows and blankets, to avoid suffocation.
Avoid decorated headboards or headboards with slats that could trap the baby.
No other occupants in the bed: Avoid other children or animals in the same bed as the baby.
Make sure that the infant cannot get trapped between the mattress and the wall or other tight spaces.
Do not leave the baby alone in an adult bed to avoid falls and accidents.
Sleeping well transforms the family routine into something lighter and more harmonious. Rested infants are calmer, smiling and in a good mood. And when parents are also able to rest, everything runs more smoothly, with more patience and affection. Sleep practices such as co-sleeping, when done safely, can further strengthen the connection between parents and children. In the end, quality sleep for parents and babies not only brings peace, but also fills the house with love and harmony so that we can face each new day with renewed energy.