
Not having a regular bedtime can effects your child’s behavior in two ways:1. There is a disruption to the body’s natural sleep circadian rhythm because it is slow to adapt to changes in sleep patterns.2. Irregular bedtimes can lead to sleep deprivation. Both of these can lead to changes in an area of the brain that controls regulation of behavior.Children aged five to seven need ten to twelve hours a night. An enforced bedtime helps your child to get a regular amount of sleep and enough sleep to get through all stages of sleep. REM sleep helps to improve memory skills. Also, deep sleep helps your child wake up feeling refreshed and able to function their best the next day. Regular sleep helps regulate body functions. Sufficient sleep is also critical for young children because their brains are still developing.Knowing that a regular, set bedtime is necessary is the first step in providing a healthful night’s sleep for your child. Fortunately, the effects of inconsistent bedtimes are reversible; the behavior of children in the study who switched to a regular sleep time noticeably improved. Although it may be difficult for family routines to adjust due to a parent’s long working hours (or shift work), the effort is worth it. Disclosure: This post is a sponsored by RTG.