Having enough good-quality sleep is a key, and often underestimated, protective factor for children and young people. Sleep helps to regenerate their brains and bodies, process information and memories, boost immunity, guard against obesity and stress, and help concentration, learning and behaviour.
Primary school-aged children generally need around 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, while teenagers need around 8 to 10.
Sleep problems in childhood and adolescence are common and can take many forms. These problems can often be temporary if good habits are consistently encouraged, but children and young people can also get ‘stuck’ in unhelpful habits.
School holidays and the light summer evenings can mean sleep routines get disrupted.
The below websites offer some useful information and advice on sleep.
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/children/
https://www.themix.org.uk/your-body/sleeping
The Sleep Charity’s helpline is run by trained sleep advisors who can talk to young people directly, or parents.
The helpline is open 5 nights a week, Sunday to Thursday, 7-9pm (excluding bank Holidays).
The number is 03303 530 541.