Children and sleep, or to be more specific a lack of sleep, is a common topic for discussion. The accumulative effects of poor sleep can be significant for a growing child. A stress response in the body triggered by a lack of sleep can create a cycle of mental exhaustion, which in turn impacts on a child’s learning, concentration, behaviour and overall mood. While the physical and behavioural impacts of poor sleep are usually clear, the impact on the child’s nutrient status, which is vital for growth and development are not always so obvious. To protect and maintain a nutrient balance there are some key recommendations, including foods and lifestyle factors, which can be implemented throughout the day to help rebalance sleep cycles and support cognitive development and behaviour.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends the amount of sleep children need ranges from 14 hours for ages 1-3, reducing to 10 to 11 hours for school-aged children. Sleep is when the brain begins “filing” the day’s information making a state of relaxation imperative for brain development. Children who have had a good nights sleep shouldn’t feel tired during the day, but at bed time should be able to fall asleep easily, stay asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed.
There are some considerations that can be implemented throughout the day, which may support a child to fall asleep at bedtime. These include:
Nutrient rich foods – Calcium and magnesium are key nutrients for sleep, which work together to calm the body relaxing nerves and muscles. Many children’s diets can be low in magnesium so including foods rich in these nutrients during the day may be helpful. Some calcium rich foods, which could be included at lunchtime or for snacks, include cheese, kale, watercress, sunflower seeds, yo
ghurt, broccoli, whole milk and cottage. Magnesium rich foods include 
brown rice, apricots, dates, cheese, avocado, sunflower seeds, peas, banana, blackberry, broccoli, cauliflower and carrot.Other foods that can promote calmness are foods that are high in tryptophan, which is used by the brain to produce our sleep hormone. Tryptophan rich foods include avocado, cheese, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, turkey, yoghurt and oats.
Balancing blood sugar – Keeping a child’s blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day will impact on their blood sugar throughout the night. Choosing appropriate snacks and lunchtime menu planning are key. Swapping white refined carbohydrates for wholegrain options and ensuring meals and snacks include a good quality protein can help to slow down the release of sugar from foods and support sustained energy levels throughout the day until the next mealtime. Some examples include combining apple and cheese, rice cakes and cottage cheese and berries with yoghurt.
Light/outdoors – Research has shown that light exposure during the day impacts on sleep. Greater exposure to sunlight induces far deeper nocturnal sleep. So planning outside time for children especially during the winter can be an important contributor to a good nights sleep.
Exercise – Keeping children active throughout the day can help to reduce restlessness, develop calmness and a sense of wellbeing, which also helps to reduce stress levels all factors, which promote sleep.
Talking to children about the importance of sleep can help them to understand the link between what happens during their day and what needs to happen in their body whilst they sleep. Sharing their own bedtime experiences and routines can be a valuable discussion and help to identify children that might benefit from additional support.
Other considerations include reviewing the bedtime routine, limiting exposure to digital screens including tablets computers and TV before bed, reducing exposure to stimulants including high sugar, caffeine in chocolate, fizzy drinks and testing for possible food intolerances.
The combined effects of good nutrition, exercise, light and good quality sleep can be huge in supporting a child’s development, growth, behaviour, concentration and mood. The value of sleep can not be underestimated, and finding the right balance is key.
To find more out about nutritious food options or for more specific health concerns consider a telephone, Skype or face-to-face appointment at The Food Teacher Clinic where a registered nutritional therapist can talk about your individual needs and support you through the development of a bespoke programme.
