Protecting Children’s Emotional Health: The Importance of Sleep as School Resumes

With summer ending and school resuming, it is a good time to focus on your and your family’s health—particularly around sleep habits. According to Healthwise, LifeCare, most adults do best when they get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. Most children need at least nine to 11 hours of sleep each night.

Our bodies operate on a biological clock that regulates functions such as sleeping and waking. Disruptions to this cycle can lead to sleep problems and, subsequently, affect emotional health. Common factors that can disturb this natural rhythm include changing sleep schedules, jet lag and Illness.

Children who do not get sufficient sleep may experience a range of emotional and behavioral problems, including, irritability and mood swings, difficulty concentrating and increased stress and anxiety.

Parents play a crucial role in setting the tone for healthy sleep habits. By modeling good behavior and creating a supportive environment, parents can help their children develop routines that promote better sleep and emotional health.

To help children get the rest they need, consider implementing the following tips for a more relaxing bedtime routine:

• Create a consistent schedule.
• Wind down with a warm shower or bath.
• Keep the bedroom quiet, dark and cool.
• Avoid caffeine before bed.
• Limit screen time. The blue light emitted from phone and tablet screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

Prioritizing healthy sleep habits for children can support emotional health and help them to thrive both academically and personally.

Sources: Healthwise, LifeCare

Join Our Live Webinar

Live Webinar —Wednesday, 14 August 24 at 1300 CST. Protecting children’s emotional well-being: This event will help you better support your children’s emotional needs. Click here to register.

For more information contact, the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-424-5988 (TTY 711) or visit MagellanHealthcare.com for helpful resources.

EAP U.S. and Overseas Phone Numbers

United States: 800-424-5988

Belgium: 0800-819-05

Germany: 0800-180-2587

Greece: New toll-free number +8008481696; direct-dial +351214542169

Guam: 1-877-301-4773

Italy: 800-783-713

Japan: 0800-100-0074

Korea: New toll-free number +808775420; direct-dial +6566541650

Netherlands: 0800-022-2285

Turkey: 800-621-2245

United Kingdom: 0800-243-458

Overseas Direct:  +351-2-1454-2186