Sleep and sleeping
If a child wakes up energetic and on a good mood in the morning, he or she has had enough sleep. A primary school child needs about 10 hours of sleep a night.
Parental responsibility
Parents are responsible for providing sufficient amount of sleep for their child. Sleep that is long enough and peaceful at night is essential for a child’s physical and mental development. Sleep is the basis of all wellbeing. A primary school child needs rhythm to his or her life in the form of regular outdoor activities and scheduled mealtimes also after school. It is important to ensure a sufficient amount of rest and sleep.
If children do not get enough sleep
- Waking up in the morning is difficult.
- No appetite for breakfast.
- Dressing is difficult, no piece of clothing is good enough.
- Interest in learning new things deteriorates.
- The child may be more fidgety or grumpy than usual.
- Memory and learning capacity deteriorates.
- A child is more prone to accidents and incidents.
- Risk to catch an infection increases.
References and other links
- Vauvan kaa – materiaali, Urbaani vanhemmuus- hanke, koordinointi Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
- Alakouluikäisen lapsen uni, MLL
- Kouluikäisen terveydenpolku
- Ekaluokkalaisen unen tarve, EPSHP