Benefits of good sleep

Good sleep plays a big part of your child’s growth, health and happiness. A regular sleep routine supports your child's body, brain and emotions as they grow.  

The key benefits of good sleep

  • Physical health: Sleep supports your child’s growth and strengthens their immune system, helping their body stay healthy and fight off illness.
  • Concentration and learning: When your child is rested, they can focus more easily, which helps them learn new skills and fully engage in play.  
  • Mood and behaviour: Good sleep helps your child manage their emotions and behaviour. It can lower their irritability and helps them feel calm, settled, and more resilient throughout the day. 
  • Long-term mental health: Healthy sleep habits in childhood lay the foundation for positive mental health as your child grows. 

“There is a huge reduction in a lot of negative mental health outcomes in adulthood, if children sleep well. Think of it as an investment” - Dr Chris Seton (Paediatric & Adolescent Sleep Physician) 

Not getting enough sleep can affect your child’s body, emotions, and thinking skills. This means they might find it harder to: 

  • concentrate and learn new things
  • follow instructions
  • manage their feelings
  • solve problems 

Lack of sleep can also impact your child's immune system. This can make it easier for them to get sick and take them longer to get better.  

Impact of sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation means your child isn’t getting enough sleep over a longer period of time. Missing a nap or going to bed late every now and then is usually fine. But if it happens often, your child may feel tired, moody, and find it harder to learn and focus. 

Signs your child may be sleep deprived: 

  • trouble focusing or remembering things
  • finding it hard to learn, solve problems or remember information at school
  • being more emotional or getting upset easily
  • finding it hard to follow instructions
  • getting sick more often. 

Sleep deprivation can also weaken a child's immune system, making them more likely to get sick and take longer to get better.

See Creating a healthy sleep environment for more tips on how to help your child get enough sleep.