Sleep is an essential part of your growing child’s health. When it comes to making sure your children are getting the proper amount of Z’s, there are some guidelines you can follow. Infants, on average, sleep 10 to 12 hours per night. Newborns and adolescents typically sleep eight to 10 hours. The recommended amount is about nine hours a night for teenagers, says Dr. Harvey Triebwasser.
DON’T SKIMP ON SLEEP
When kids don’t get enough sleep, they will experience a lag, both physically and mentally, and often appear cranky. Their school performance and immune systems also may suffer. “People get sick when they don’t sleep as much,” says Dr. Triebwasser. “It’s hard to learn when your brain is not well-rested.” Like washing your hands to avoid germs, children need to develop proper sleep “hygiene.”
Parents should also be aware of sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome, when people move their legs excessively or sleep apnea, which happens when you have one or more pauses in breathing while you sleep, lasting from a few seconds to minutes. If your child experiences any abnormal sleeping patterns, discuss it with our physician.
POWERING DOWN
For teenagers, the biggest interference with turning in “on time” is a lot of homework, video games, texting and social media, says Dr. Triebwasser. Since common sleep issues such as difficulty falling asleep or staying a sleep can result from poor sleep hygiene, teens should take several precautions:
How can parents with younger children enforce healthy sleep habits?
FAST FACTS
Dr. Harvey Triebwasser is a longstanding member of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. He specializes in adolescents and pediatrics. He served his internship and residency at Cornell New York Hospital.
Dr. Triebwasser’s philosophy of care: “The most important thing to raising teenagers is love and limits.”
EDUCATION
State University of New York – Downstate
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
How do you get your child to bed through cries, screams, avoidance tactics, and pleas? How should you respond when you’re awakened in the middle of the night? How much sleep is enough for your kids? Get answers to these questions and more in this handy sleep guide.
Screen Time Insomnia
Setting screentime guidelines can help parents avoid battles with their kids. “Up to two hours a day is reasonable,” says Dr. Galion. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two have limited screen time.
Kids and Dehydration
When temperatures heat up, the risk of children becoming dehydrated intensifies. “Dehydration occurs when an athlete has less body fluid than they need,” says Dr. Chris Koutures.
Kids and Snoring
When your child snores a condition called sleep apnea may be the reason. There are two types, central and obstructive. Obstructive is a greater concern.
