Wellbeing
Sleep Awareness Day- Friday March 13th
The theme this year is Sleep Well, Live Better.
Why Sleep Is So Important
Sleep is an important part of healthy growth and development for children and teens. Good quality sleep allows the body to rest and helps with various physical and emotional processes, from immunity to concentration, emotional wellbeing and brain function.
How much sleep does my child or teen need?
Every child needs a different amount of sleep, which changes as they age. As a guide:
- Children aged one to three years old need 12 to 14 hours
- Children aged three to six years old need 10 to 12 hours
- Children aged seven to 12 years old need 10 to 11 hours
- Children aged 13 to 18 years old need 8 to 10 hours.
The Connection Between Sleep and Emotional Regulation
Sleep and emotional health are deeply connected. Lack of sleep can contribute to:
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heightened anxiety
- Mood swings
- Reduced resilience
When children are well rested, they cope better, learn better and relate better.
Practical Sleep Tips for Families
1. Protect the Last Hour-Reduce screens and bright lights before bed.
2. Eat Earlier- Aim to finish dinner at least 1 to 2 hours before sleep where possible.
3. Keep It Cool and Dark- A cooler, darker room supports melatonin production.
4. Morning Light Exposure- Natural light early in the day helps regulate circadian rhythm.
When to get help
If sleep problems are causing major issues for you and your child, speak with a doctor. They may refer you to a sleep specialist.
* information from Royal Children's Hospital, lifeline, Holistic Kids, Sleep Awareness
Kimochi
A little reminder about our Kimochi characters and some of the feelings they can help support. If you would like further information and full character profiles you can find them on our website.
Out and About at LPS
Another great selection of fun, games, play and creativity... and a few poses!
Building on World Kindness Day here is a calendar for March. You might like to do some tasks that have a mindfulness focus and keep building your toolbox.
