30.04.2025 16:30
Sleep consultant Esra Teymur Şimşek emphasized that regular sleep is vital in many areas, from children's cognitive development to academic success, behavioral adjustment, and maintaining a healthy weight, based on scientific research. Şimşek stated, "If you want your child to achieve good academic success, please put them to bed early, wake them up early, and stick to this routine."
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Sleep Consultant Esra Teymur Şimşek emphasized that regular sleep in children plays a vital role in many areas, from cognitive development to academic success, behavioral adjustment to healthy weight. In her statement, Şimşek highlighted the importance of sleep training and shared 5 critical points supported by scientific research with parents.
"REGULAR SLEEP LEADS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS"
The first research shared by Şimşek is based on a long-term study conducted in England. In this study, which examined children aged 3, 5, and 7, it was found that children who had regular sleep and wake times performed better in reading, mathematics, and spatial reasoning tests. Şimşek warned, "If you want your child to achieve good academic success, please put them to bed early, wake them up early, and stick to this routine."
LACK OF SLEEP CAN LEAD TO BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS
Şimşek stated that a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on children aged 0-6 revealed the relationship between sleep quality and behavioral problems. She expressed that sleep deprivation could be behind the behavioral issues that a child may experience when starting preschool or elementary school. The research determined that a regular bedtime routine improves sleep quality, reduces nighttime awakenings, and extends total sleep duration. Şimşek noted that babies who sleep with support cannot sleep continuously as they seek the same support each time they wake up, while a regular sleep routine contributes to children being more well-behaved, attentive, and socially adaptable the next day.
QUALITY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHILDREN'S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Highlighting the impact of sleep quality on children's brain development, Şimşek shared a study conducted at Colorado State University. It was found that children aged 5-9 with regular daily routines and pre-sleep activities slept longer, and this was associated with development in brain regions related to language, emotional perception, and emotional processing. Şimşek emphasized that just as care is taken for brain development from pregnancy, sleep is as important as nutrition.
"REGULAR SLEEP CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF OBESITY"
Şimşek also addressed the relationship between sleep and weight, referring to a study conducted by Penn State University on children aged 5-9. She reported that the study showed that regular and age-appropriate sleep times were associated with a healthier body index during adolescence. Şimşek stated, "Regular sleep habits can reduce the risk of obesity in adolescence."
"SLEEP DEPRIVATION HAS BEEN LINKED TO DISTRACTION"
The last point shared by Şimşek was the strong connection between sleep and overall health and emotional state. She noted that sleep deprivation has been associated with distraction, behavioral problems, and emotional instability, stating, "There are strong relationships between children's sleep duration, quality, and regularity and their cognitive, emotional, and physical health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to distraction, behavioral problems, obesity, and emotional instability."
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS
Emphasizing the critical importance of regular sleep habits for children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development, Şimşek said, "Parents are advised to set a fixed bedtime and wake-up time for their children, engage in calming pre-sleep activities, such as bathing and reading books, and limit the use of electronic devices."
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