Children who do not get enough sleep often have trouble paying attention, can become cranky, may fall asleep during the day, can have behavioural issues and can struggle to focus. If this sounds familiar, it could be that their sleeping hours might need a firm adjustment.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centres, informs parents on sufficient sleeping hours for children based on their age, and why this rest should not be taken lightly. “It’s time to take sleep seriously for our children and to make sure they get the best out of every experience when they’re awake,” says Kylie.

As we are sleeping, our brains move between two types of sleep. These are known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. Together, the stages of REM sleep and non-REM sleep develop a sleep cycle.

Babies spend more time in REM sleep, with their sleep cycles much shorter than adults. Time spent in REM sleep decreases and sleep cycles get longer as children get older. By the time they attend school, one complete sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes, similar to adult sleep cycles.

“The first two non-REM stages are known as light sleep stages. One can wake up easily, and the heart beats and breathing rate slow down. Stage three non-REM is a deep sleep, which is usually harder to wake up from, and often a person is confused when woken. During this stage, the body releases well needed hormones for growth and development,” says Kylie.

“In the last stage of the REM sleep cycle, breathing becomes faster, eyes move faster underneath the eyelids, and heartbeats become faster.  The limbs do not move during this phase. REM sleep is vital for learning and memory,” Kylie adds.

Adequate rest promotes a more energetic and healthier child and supports the child’s physical, mental and emotional development. The amount of sleep needed for children varies, and experts recommend the following hours of sleep for children: Infants between 0-3 months need 14-17 hours. Infants between 4-12 months need 12-16 hours. Toddlers between 1-2 years need 11-14 hours, and pre-schoolers between 3-5 years need 10-13 hours.

“Creating a regular bed time routine can encourage and develop better sleeping habits,” says Kylie. “Turning off digital devices at least an hour before bedtime is important, and the removal of these devices from the room should also occur. Providing a 30 minute heads up, followed by a 10 minute heads up when getting them to bed, particularly for pre-schoolers, is important. Over a short period, they will soon get used to the routine,” she adds.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA Group