Don't Underestimate, Know the Benefits of Afternoon Nap for Children

Kapanlagi.com - Napping is one of the activities often done by many people, including children. Although often overlooked by many parents, the fact is that afternoon nap is also very good for children's health.

In fact, the benefits of afternoon nap will be beneficial if done regularly. Afternoon nap is very useful in overcoming various things that can affect the body's health. There is no need to take afternoon naps excessively, just taking a nap for 30 to 1.5 hours already provides freshness and benefits.

What are the benefits of afternoon nap for children's bodies? As reported from various sources, let's check it out KLovers.

1. The Right Time for a Nap

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It turns out that KLovers cannot just randomly arrange their children's nap time. There is a specific time for children to regularly take their nap. The ideal nap duration is only 90 minutes or 1.5 hours.

You can determine how many times your child will take a nap. As they get older, the duration of their nap decreases. In fact, children aged 6 and above usually only need about 30 minutes of nap time.

You can establish this routine and engage in morning activities to help your child easily take a nap. Make the bedroom atmosphere comfortable so that your child can quickly fall asleep during nap time.

2. Signs of Lack of Sleep in Children

For adults, lack of sleep can cause emotional and physical changes. The same goes for children, and it can be even more dangerous. This can disrupt their growth and development. Here are some signs that a child is not getting enough sleep:

- Lack of enthusiasm
- Becoming fussy and easily irritated
- Getting angry when woken up in the morning
- Becoming absent-minded, impatient, hyperactive, or aggressive
- Difficulty focusing on schoolwork and other tasks.

If your child shows these signs, it's important to establish a good sleep pattern. This can affect their growth, development, and metabolism.

3. Improving Intelligence

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The first benefit of taking a nap is that it can improve intelligence. A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that regular napping in children can enhance memory. This can improve their intelligence in various activities both now and in the future.

This not only applies to children but also to adults. You can concentrate better when you can take a nap, even if it's only for 30 minutes. So, encourage your child to take regular naps, KLovers.

4. Providing Good Mood

The next benefit of taking a nap for children is that it can provide a better mood. It can even keep children away from stressful thoughts. According to several studies, children who have taken a nap tend to have a pleasant mood compared to those who have not taken a nap.

Furthermore, another study states that children under the age of five (toddlers) who do not take a nap are more likely to be restless and react worse to unpleasant events. So, don't miss out on nap time for your child, so that they can become a positive and pleasant individual.

5. Better Night's Sleep

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Does taking a nap make it difficult for someone to sleep? Actually, it's not like that. The benefits of taking a nap will make children sleep more soundly at night. This is because taking a nap can help reduce fatigue from playing and activities throughout the day.

And this fatigue is one of the factors that can make it harder for children to sleep at night. That's why taking a nap will actually make it easier for children to sleep at night. According to a medical article published by St. Louis Children's Hospital, skipping nap time can actually make children easily stressed, fussy, angry, and confused.

Furthermore, children are at risk of having difficulty sleeping at night. If a child's nighttime sleep is insufficient, their immune system is feared to weaken, making them susceptible to diseases.

6. Optimizing Height and Weight

The next benefit of afternoon naps for children is that it can optimize their height and weight. It turns out that not only food can optimize a child's height and weight, but also afternoon naps. Children also need sufficient sleep during their growth period. This is because a child's growth process occurs while they are asleep.

In addition, research shows that children who do not get enough sleep or have irregular sleep patterns are more likely to experience obesity. This is associated with the tendency for children to eat more when they are tired. Furthermore, fatigue can also make a child less active, resulting in easier weight gain.

7. Improving Focus and Concentration

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And the benefits of nap for children can also improve their focus and concentration. A study shows that children have higher learning and memory abilities if they regularly take naps.

This benefit is even greater if children have enough rest after receiving learning materials. Even children who take naps can remember what they have learned 24 hours later.

In addition, a journal published by the National Institutes of Health Study states that the benefits of children taking naps can improve their ability to absorb lessons and remember when they start school in the future. Even when children take naps, they will wake up in a refreshed condition and make it easier for them to concentrate on learning something.

And those are some of the benefits of napping for children that you must know. Not only can it provide health to their bodies, but napping can also make their brains healthy and smart.

(kpl/dhm)