Why Good Sleep Habits are Essential for Kids

Being a parent means being a role model for your children in every aspect of life, including sleep habits. Establishing good sleep routines at home is crucial in ensuring your child gets the rest they need to thrive.

With school back in session and early mornings becoming the norm again, it’s important to prioritize quality sleep for your kids. We sat down with Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with UT Physicians, to understand the significance of adequate sleep for children.

Dr. Tallavajhula emphasizes that sleep is vital for children’s brain development, as it is during sleep that new facts are assimilated, memories are formed, and growth hormones are secreted. This growth hormone secretion is crucial for student-athletes who are trying to grow taller and build muscle.

If your child has gotten off track with their sleep schedule during the summer break, Dr. Tallavajhula recommends gradually moving up bedtimes and wake times in 15 to 20-minute increments every few days until they are back on track. Creating a bedtime routine and modeling good sleep behavior as a parent can also help reinforce healthy sleep habits.

According to Dr. Tallavajhula, children aged six to 12 should aim for 9 to 10 hours of sleep, while adolescents and teens need 8 to 9 hours of sleep for optimal development.

Remember, sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for your child’s overall health and well-being. By prioritizing good sleep habits at home, you are setting your child up for success in school and beyond.

UT Physicians is a sponsor for Health Matters on KHOU 11