Mattress Matters – Child's Play
If your child is hyperactive or demonstrating bad behaviour you could need to invest in a new mattress; children need to spend more time in their beds new research says.
As adults, we all know how grouchy, impatient, moody or irritable we can be if we don't get a good night's sleep. We need a solid seven or eight ours of quality sleep in our beds for optimum behaviour. And studies have repeatedly shown that children need more sleep than adults. It shouldn't be too surprising then that a Finnish study says a good night's sleep can reduce hyperactivity and poor behaviour in children. Ensuring children are tucked up in their beds, with a regular sleep routine is crucial for their well being. And yours.
Beds and Tantrums
Of course, it's easier said then done. Children can resist sleep and bedtimes, and naturally have an urge to stay up as long as they can get away with. Routine is crucial to ensure they slip into a regular sleep pattern. And although it may take a bit of work by the parents, it's worth it in the long run; bad behaviour will only become worse if children don't keep to their beds. The research examined 280 seven and eight year old children and found that those who slept for fewer than eight hours were the most hyperactive.
Mattress Moods: Symptoms of ADHD
It's thought the West suffers the most from sleep deprivation, partly due to our lifestyles. Adults can experience chronic health problems as a result of poor sleep, but children are also at risk with around a third of American children not achieving the recommended minimum of eight hours a night. The study by Finland's National Institute of Health and Welfare at the University of Helsinki wanted to examine the link between behaviour associated with attention deficiency syndrome and poor sleep in children. Although the children in the study did not have ADHD, the study showed those who had poor sleep and were tired demonstrated symptoms of ADHD.
The Importance of Bedtime Routine
The children in the study had their sleep activity monitored. Those who slept less than 7.7 hours had a higher score when it came to impulsive behaviour. The findings revealed the direct correlation between sleep duration and poor behaviour. For those parents who are concerned their children aren't getting sufficient sleep, investing in a good mattress and ensuring children feel positively about their beds and so look forward to bed time can help. Routine is essential, and going to bed at the same time every evening is crucial in helping to establish routine.
Looking for a new Bed or Mattress? Speak to Snug
Snug memory foam mattresses are carefully crafted to help you achieve a good night's sleep. Our top class memory foam mattresses are hypo-allergenic, temperature sensitive and come complete with 5 or 15 year guarantees. You can shop online straight away, or call us on 0800 0277017 if you need help with your choice of mattress.
