When it comes to our adult life, we all know how important relaxation is. But how vital is it for our children? Do they need more rest than us? Or are they just full of beans? Read on to find out how good quality rest impacts our children for the better.
Why Do Children Need Rest?
Growing up can be exhausting. There are a plethora of stimuli. So much to learn and absorb, alongside the body undergoing many changes. Rest is about more than just the physical, although that is an important aspect! Rest is also about emotions.
Resting allows children to unwind physically and emotionally, allowing them to be healthy and energised for the rest of the day!
Resting doesn’t specifically mean naps either. Some youngsters have trouble napping or staying still and quiet for long periods of time. These children, however, should still be given the opportunity to rest.
Why is Good Rest and Sleep So Important for Children?
When it comes to sleeping, there are numerous advantages and health benefits. We all require sleep, and it is essential for our mental and physical well-being. For a variety of reasons, children require a lot of relaxation and sleep.
How Does Rest Help Children Process Information?
When children are resting or sleeping, their brain is still actively working, helping them process information from the day. Furthermore, this is also when the brain stores old memories, so a good night’s sleep is vital for this processing to occur.
Does Rest Increase Children’s Attention Span?
Sleep not only helps children feel refreshed for the day ahead, but it also allows the brain to work at its optimum. We all have a limit to how much data we can digest before our brains need to recharge.
When the brain is at rest, it has time to sort all of the new information it has learned into categories and create new pathways for remembering it. There is a lot going on, and it is natural to need regular breaks while studying. Overall, relaxing will improve a child’s attention span by preventing them from becoming overloaded.
Can Rest Help with Learning?
The learning process is aided by increased attention spans. Learning is much simpler with a relaxed brain! There are two basic ways in which sleep aids learning. The first is the creation of pathways for learning to be solidified while sleeping, as well as the fact that getting enough good quality sleep at the right time allows kids to function efficiently throughout the day.
Children who do not get as much sleep as their peers have been known to finish their tasks more slowly while making more mistakes. According to studies, even an extra 27 minutes of sleep helps youngsters better manage their urges! That explains why naps in the middle of the day are so beneficial to brain development!
Children’s Rest Ideas
Taking a twenty-minute nap is an excellent way to help children relax and refresh. However, for youngsters who do not prefer to close their eyes, there are a variety of other relaxing options available that will allow them some moments of calm.
Quiet activities like puzzles, colouring, or reading a book can help calm a racing mind and are a relaxing alternative to napping.
These ideas are great for in the middle of the day when children may resist sleeping.
Why is a Bedtime Routine Good for Children?
A bedtime routine is the most effective approach to ensure that youngsters get their best night’s sleep in the evening.
It’s critical to consider the environment in which children sleep. Is this conducive to a night of good sleep? To ensure the best spot to relax, make sure their rooms are dark, quiet, and comfy, with minimal distraction.
St Peter’s private school in Devon cares deeply about the health of all our pupils. If you’re considering a private preparatory school for your child, or if you have any other enquiries, please get in touch with Rachel Jupp, Director of Admissions & Marketing, on 01395 280335 or email rachel.jupp@stpetersprepschool.co.uk.
