Importance of Sleep for Children's Learning 

Preschoolers are always learning, growing and exploring and a good quantity and quality sleep is very important for their overall health, emotional well-being and ability to learn. 

Why sleep is important?

1. Sleep supports brain development, physical and mental health. 
2. Sleeps helps with emotional and behavioral regulation 
3. Physical growth and development
4. Improved focus and learning  
5. Energy conservation and recovery
6. Creates healthy habits like good routines and calm environments for sleeping.                                                                                           

Tips for helping your preschooler sleep better

        1. Create a consistent bedtime time: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine where children go to bed at the same time can help them regulate their sleep schedules and calm down ready for sleep. 

        2. Create a calming bedtime routine: Engage in a calm activity before going to bed like taking a bath to signal that it is nearly time for bed. We do very much recommend that you include a bedtime story as part of this routine as shared story reading is very important for early literacy development.

        3. :Limit screentime: At least 1 hour before going to bed. (Blue light from screens reduces the release of sleep hormones, making it harder to fall asleep).

        4. Bedtime: Depending on your child's routine, they should go to sleep between 7:00 and 8:00 pm 

Prioritizing sleep can make a huge difference in how we feel, think, behave and perform every day!

For more resources on the Children's sleep see https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/sleep/understanding-sleep/preschooler-sleep

or speak with your maternal and child health nurse.