Every parent wants to see their children happy, healthy, and thriving. We want to make sure that we give them the best tools to succeed in life and create meaningful memories. To make a child happy, parents need to fulfill their children’s basic needs first, such as shelter, food, medical care, safety, and enough sleep, among others. A massive survey conducted in Australia in 2017 provided enough evidence to conclude that sleep is one of the most significant factors that influence children’s happiness.
More than 47,000 Australian children answered the survey
A BtN Kids’ Happiness Survey conducted in October 2017 in Australia found that children need enough sleep to be happy. The University of Melbourne and the News TV program collaborated to conduct one of the biggest studies involving youth mental health in the oceanic country. The survey showed that the most significant indicator of happiness for children is to get enough sleep. The children who got enough sleep were twice more likely to feel happy.
Sleep is an indicator of child wellbeing
The survey is one of the many investigations that prove the importance of sleep in our children’s lives. It might be difficult for parents to determine if their children slept enough if not on a schedule. Children will develop different sleeping patterns during each stage of their life.
Another article presented the findings of a study that analyzed how sleeping patterns change with age. For those dealing with toddlers and wondering if their child should quit day naps, the answer is extended. Some toddlers prefer to quit daytime naps and sleep through the night, while others prefer a short nap during the day.
According to health specialists from the Cleveland Clinic, children aged 5 to 12 need at least nine to twelve hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, children who do not sleep enough can develop mood swings, obesity, and their academic performance might be affected.
