{"id":10233,"date":"2024-03-04T06:00:37","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T12:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/summit-education.com\/blog\/?p=10233"},"modified":"2024-06-18T14:46:14","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T20:46:14","slug":"sleep-awareness-week-a-biological-necessity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/summit-education.com\/blog\/general\/sleep-awareness-week-a-biological-necessity\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleep Awareness Week: A Biological Necessity"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Written By: Colleen Williams, PT<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\"\"Good quality sleep is something that we all want more of… for ourselves, for our children, and for the children we work with. We know that we when get a good night\u2019s sleep, our day is a better one. We can think more clearly, learn more easily, remember more readily and we are happier. Sleep is the single most effective thing we do to reset our body and brain each day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In an ongoing research study (NIH), children with insufficient sleep (less than 9 hours\/night) relative to children with sufficient sleep had more mental health and behavioral challenges. There were also measurable differences in their brain structure with less gray matter and smaller volume in areas associated with attention, memory, and inhibition control.<\/p>\n

Children with developmental disabilities are at an increased risk of sleep issues. This includes children with ADHD and those on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, socioeconomic disadvantaged children tend to have more sleep issues as well. Children living in urban areas are also more susceptible to sleep troubles. Good quality sleep matters! It is essential for a child\u2019s emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Although we are not sleep specialists, as therapists we typically get to know our patients and families well. We need to consider how sleep or lack of sleep is affecting our child\u2019s overall progress in their development.<\/p>\n

We can talk to parents about their child\u2019s sleep habits. If children are having difficulties, parents are typically very willing (and relieved) to have someone to talk to about this. Medical issues can be discussed and the possible relevance to sleep quality. A well-educated therapist knows when basic sleep information and suggestions for good sleep practices and routines are warranted vs. a referral to an outside source (pediatrician, ENT, sleep consultant, dentist).<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Red Flags for Child Sleep Issues<\/strong><\/h5>\n