With the holidays here, many kids will be home a lot more than they will be at school, but many experts are still encouraging parents to keep children on a schedule especially when it comes to sleep. Dr. Kaninika Verma (KAH-Nuh-Neen-kah VAIR-Muh), director of Sleep Medicine for OSF Health Care says that diminished sleep can become a big issue and that parents should be aware of the recommended amount of sleep for their child.
The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America Poll found that 30% of elementary school children and well over 50% of both middle and high school students don’t get the recommended nightly allowance of sleep.
One big problem that Dr. Verma sees is kids spending too much time in front of electronic devices. More screen time is associated with delayed bed time. She recommends shutting down electronics two hours before it’s time to turn in.
If you have questions or concerns about sleep for your child or even for yourself, please contact your local primary care physician.