A researcher from Baylor University reminds us just how important sleep is for our developing children and teens. Dr. Sonal Malhotra, professor of Pediatrics who works in sleep medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital says this: “A good sleep schedule is one that has good quality, quantity, and consistency. At this age, kids are trying to learn as much as they can while doing extracurriculars and being social, so their sleep time is important for their bodies to relax and reset from the day.” Dr. Malholtra not only reminds us that teens need eight to ten hours of uninterrupted sleep during the night, but that they should avoid any caffeine consumption or screen time before bed. They need time to wind down. Parents, God has made us for a rhythm of work and rest. Too much busyness at the expense of rest compromises our physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health. Take stock of how much sleep your child is getting, and where changes need to be made, make them!
The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
October 27, 2023