Is This For Me?

Sleep Information:

Even after all the research that's available to us today, scientists can’t fully determine the actual reason "why" we sleep. What they do know however, is that there are limitless benefits to those of us who get the proper amount of sleep. This can’t come as a huge shock, right? We all know how incredible we feel after a full night of sleep.

One of the best known and most accepted theories is that sleep helps our bodies rebuild and restore what was lost during the day. This research is supported by the findings of many of the major restorative functions in the body like muscle growth, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and growth hormone release. These functions occur mostly, or in some cases only, during sleep.

Given everything that we do know about the effects that sleep can have on our body, it’s unquestionable that getting appropriate rest is important for our health and prosperity.

Age Appropriate Sleep Recommendations:

Age:     Naps:   Total Sleep:

0-4 mos.      4+ Naps      15-18 hrs total (24 hr period)

4-6 mos.      3 Naps        11-12 night hrs + 3-4 hrs

6-12 mos.     2 Naps        11-12 night hrs + 2-3.5 hrs

12-18 mos.    1-2 Naps     11-12 night hrs + 1.5-3 hrs

18-36 mos.    1 Nap         11-12 night hrs + 1.5-3 hrs

should i hire a sleep consultant?

Now that we know how imperative sleep is to the human body, and how important it is for growth and development, we also have to consider what can happen to those who have poor sleep habits. So what happens to you when you’re not getting enough sleep? You're probably pretty irritable, don't have the patience for your kids, and can't focus the way you want to, among other things. Worse, what happens when your baby, who is supposed to be growing, developing, and thriving everyday, isn’t getting enough sleep?

Here are just a few things he or she may be experiencing.. 

Emotional Effects:

• Cranky, tired, has difficulty practicing and/or hitting milestones.
• Unhappy, or has erratic mood swings.
• Defiant behaviors, overly emotional tantrums.
• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Difficulty concentrating during play.
• Accident prone.

Body Changes:

• Illness and teething are much more difficult on a baby who is not getting an appropriate amount of sleep.
• Children who are well rested have stronger immune systems.
• Negative effects in various hormones including insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone.
• Poor sleep in infancy is linked to obesity and weight gain in childhood and adulthood.
• Developing studies have even linked sleep deprivation in young children to be a cause of Attention Deficit Disorders.

Unfortunately, sleep troubles in infancy do not get better on their own, a child will not just "grow out of it". In fact, 9 out of 10 times, sleep troubles in infancy will continue into toddlerhood and childhood. As scary as all of this may sound if your baby isn’t the optimal sleeper, I promise, together we can work to solve your little ones sleep issues and get him or her on the way to more well rested, and rejuvenating nights.