Sleep plays an important role in the physical, emotional and intellectual development of children. Not only does it help the body restore energy, sleep also supports the brain in processing information, regulating emotions and enhancing memory. However, many children today do not get enough sleep due to academic pressure, excessive use of electronic devices or unscientific living.
Prolonged sleep deprivation not only makes children tired but also directly affects emotions, behavior and learning ability. Children who do not get enough sleep are often irritable, emotionally erratic, difficult to control their behavior and more sensitive to stress. According to Dr. Ashwin Borade, pediatrician at Inamdar Hospital, Pune (India), the reason is that sleep is closely related to the activity of brain regions responsible for regulating emotions and behavioral control.
When not getting enough sleep, children may be more sensitive to stress, easily anxious or sad. If the condition persists, the risk of emotional disorders or signs similar to depression also increases.
Lack of sleep also clearly affects children's cognitive abilities. Children who sleep less often have difficulty concentrating, reduced attention and difficulty remembering new information. This directly affects learning outcomes and the ability to absorb knowledge at school. Many children show signs of lack of concentration during school hours, slow or clumsy absorption when solving exercises that require thinking. Some children also have difficulty remembering events, formulas or handling complex problems.
In addition to affecting learning, sleep deprivation also affects children's communication and social development abilities. Children who do not get enough sleep often have difficulty controlling their emotions when interacting with others, and are prone to arguments or misunderstandings with friends and relatives.
In some cases, lack of sleep also causes children to develop manifestations similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder such as impatience, hyperactivity, or difficulty sitting still. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to the duration and quality of their child's sleep before claiming that the child has behavioral problems.
Dr. Ashwin Borade said that sleep deprivation in children can be improved if detected early and adjusted in time. Parents should maintain a fixed sleep time, limiting children from using phones, computers or TVs before bedtime. In addition, encouraging children to exercise during the day also helps the body fall asleep more easily in the evening.
Sleeping space also needs to be quiet, comfortable and suitable for children. If children are often irritable, sleepy during the day, have difficulty sleeping or wake up many times at night, parents should take their children for examination for timely advice.
Experts emphasize that adequate sleep not only helps children become healthier but also plays an important role in maintaining mental, emotional health and long-term learning ability.
