The Benefits Of Napping For Children – Parenthood

Children usually nap until they are four or five years old. Its frequency and duration will depend on each little one. The important thing is to know that the benefits of napping for children go far beyond simple bodily rest.

Sleep is important for the health of the little ones. Indeed, it is a fundamental factor in the physical, intellectual and emotional development of the human being. During the hours when the child is sleeping, his body is resting. In addition, valuable neuropsychological processes are occurring.

Therefore,  the benefits of napping in children determine that we should encourage these periods of daytime sleep.  The habit of accompanying the child in his sleep needs and of generating rest habits will promote his good integral development.

What are the benefits of napping in children?

At first glance, parents observe that after a nap, the child is much better for the rest of the day. We especially see the difference when, for some exceptional reason, the little one does not sleep it. In these cases, it is common to hear them say: “He is unbearable because he did not take a nap”.

But what are the benefits of napping in children?

• During the nap, the child recovers physical energy.  His body rests and takes back the mental energy needed for. The latter keeps him in shape for the rest of the day.

• Release stress. Indeed, their mind is detached from all external stimuli. In this way, the nap reduces states of hyperactivity and anxiety.

• It improves attention, concentration and the willingness to discover and explore the world. 

• Memory is consolidated. Children remember what they have learned better if they take a nap. During sleep, they record what they have learned during the day. Thus, they are ready to learn new things.

The influence of the nap on the child’s life

• The nap contributes to a good mood and to having a positive attitude.  After the nap, the child is relaxed and smiling. He is also more willing to do whatever is asked of him.

• It contributes to normal growth. Sleep and wakefulness regulate certain vital functions. However, sleep allows the release of growth hormone, which is essential for their development.

• The nap allows a quality rest in the evening. If the child arrives exhausted and overexcited at night, he may have trouble sleeping. But a good nap will give her a good night’s sleep.
• It promotes social relationships. A child who is not sleeping will be more aggressive. Thus, the child will have difficulty playing with other children and this will disrupt his emotional development.

The duration of the children’s nap

As he grows, the child needs less sleep. Up to the age of four or five, these hours are divided between nighttime sleep and a nap. Later, daytime rest normally disappears.

• New born.  Total sleep time is approximately eighteen hours. The time a newborn baby sleeps is equal to the time he stays awake.  Naps therefore last eight to nine hours.

• One month of life.  Here, the total sleep time is 17 hours. At this age, nighttime sleep becomes longer. Indeed, he sleeps ten hours at night. Also, daytime sleep – naps last a total of eight hours.

• Three months.  At this point, the total sleep time drops to 16 hours. During this time, he sleeps about ten hours at night. During the day, he will need at least three naps, about two hours.

From six months

• Six months.  At six months, the total sleep time is about 15 hours. Usually the child has more external stimuli and only needs two naps. These will last a total of four or five hours.

• A year. At one year, the total sleep time will be 14 hours. Naps will be shorter. The child will take two naps of an hour and a half each, and will have fully recharged.

• At eighteen months, he will acquire the rhythm which he will maintain until four or five years. The total sleep time will be thirteen or fourteen hours. He will take a single two-hour nap. 

These data are estimates. Each child will have their own rhythm of nighttime sleep and naps. The important thing is to support and encourage these moments of rest.

Eliminating naps for the comfort of parents or for labor reasons is not a good step to take. This habit can interfere with the normal development of the child. It is therefore preferable to promote this moment of relaxation.