Sleep is an essential component of life.This stage is more important than awake stage.There is a circadian rhythm of sleep which is regulated by dark and light.
There are two types of sleep.One is quite sleep when the brain remains calm and other is active sleep ,when brain remains active and dreaming occurs during this active sleep.There is an alternating cycle of these two sleep patterns.Initially the sleep cycle is of 50 minutes ,which becomes of 90 minutes later on during preschool age.Baby spend 50% time during each phase.The sleep rhythm is not established at birth ,but begins to develop at about 6 weeks of life and becomes established during 3-6 months of life.Sleep is very irregular during first month of life and during this age ,baby may be active during sleep which may be observed as movements of legs,smiling and sucking during sleep.
Sleep is essential for the adequate development of body and mind.During the period of quiet sleep,blood flow increases through muscles,hormones are released in the body which are essential for the growth of baby.During quiet sleep,tissue growth and repair occurs and energy is restored.
Adequate Sleep time;
0-3 months of age 10.5-18 hours,4-11 months of age 9-12 hours,1-2 years of age 11-14 hours,3-5 years of age 11-13 hours and 6-13 years of age(school age) 9-11 hours
Sleep problems and disorders are mostly seen during school age group (6-13 years of age).If the child does not sleep adequately ,it may cause mood swings,behavioral problems and the dangerous thing which can destroy the career of child -ADHD(Attention deficit and hyperactive disorder)
A child should be taught the importance of good sleep and parents should help in making a regular sleep habit..Child should go to bed at a particular time even during holidays.The room should be conducive for good sleep.The room should be dark ,cool and noise free.TV,Computer and mobile should not be in the room.Watching TV close to the bed time may cause resistance to sleep