Benefits of a consistent bedtime routine
Did you know? The amount of sleep your toddler gets may be linked to his behavior, language development, and future weight.
The benefits of bedtime
The benefits of an early bedtime and a regular bedtime sleep routine go far beyond ensuring that your toddler gets enough sleep. Research shows that having a consistent bedtime routine is linked to healthy sleep in young children. For example, toddlers who follow the same routine every night tend to have earlier bedtimes, fall asleep faster, and wake up fewer times in the night. However, the advantages may not stop there.
One recent study showed that following a typical bedtime routine, which may be adapted to suit children’s individual needs, can help progress their language, reading, and writing skills, and have a positive impact on the way they manage their emotions. These developmental advancements may, in turn, form stronger parent-child bonds and result in a happier family environment.
Long-term effects
In addition to impacting communication and behavior, a lack of sleep can have physical effects in the longer term. A research study of almost 1000 children explored whether preschool-aged children with earlier bedtimes had a lower risk of obesity in adolescence. The results showed that the young children with early weekday bedtimes (at or before 8pm) were half as likely as those with late bedtimes to be obese as adolescents.
New research, with children aged between three and five years old, examined the impact of bedtime routines. The researchers measured the children’s concept of colors, numbers, letters, sizes, and shapes as a way to assess readiness for school. Optimal bedtime routines (which involved consistency, brushing teeth, reading books, and avoiding snacks and drinks before bed) in the preschoolers were linked with higher scores on readiness for school, as well as better dental health. Following a regular bedtime routine at the same time every night—for example giving your toddler a bath, getting him into his pajamas, helping to brush his teeth, and reading a story together—is also linked to improved overall health. So, if you haven’t already implemented a bedtime sleep routine, now is the time to do so.
Sources
Anderson SE, Andridge R, Whitaker RC. Bedtime in preschool-aged children and risk for adolescent obesity. J Pediatr 2016; 176:17-22.
Felso R, Lohner S, Hollody K, et al. Relationship between sleep duration and childhood obesity: Systematic review including the potential underlying mechanisms. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2017; 27(9):751-61.
Kitsaras G, Goodwin M, Allan J, et al. Bedtime routines child wellbeing & development. BMC Public Health 2018; 18(1):386. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5290-3
Mindell JA, Williamson AA. Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond. Sleep Med Rev 2018; 40:93-108.
Related articles
Baby Milestones – 9 to 11 Months
1 min to read
Introducing baby’s first foods? Be prepared with this handy kit
Now the adventure really starts!
3 mins to read
What nutrients your baby need
Did you know? As your baby reaches six to eight months old, some vitamins and minerals are especially important for her health.
3 mins to read
8-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
About the size of a robin’s egg, your little one measures about 30 mm long. Learn more about this week.
3 mins to read
How To Keep Your Child Healthy
You can't stop your child from getting sick, but you can certainly reduce the chances by following some basic principles to promote a healthy lifestyle and strong immune system.
3 mins to read
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
Discover some of the essential preconception supplements and vitamins
Eating well before you conceive can help your future baby have the best possible start in life.
4 mins to read
How much food to feed your baby at 6-7 months / 8 months / 9-11 months
While feeding your baby, understanding how much food he/she needs can be tricky.
2 mins to read
Why your baby needs to be active
Did you know? Spending time playing with your baby at this age can lead to him being more active when he’s a toddler.
2 mins to read
Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
Did you know? Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
2 mins to read
Why babies need milk AND water
Did you know? Offering sugary drinks to your baby adds extra calories to his diet and makes tooth decay more likely.
3 mins to read
How much food to feed your baby at 8 months
With a little knowledge and observation, you will easily be able to identify when you have fed your child the appropriate amount of food.
2 mins to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy breastfeeding diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
How to Know if Breastfed Baby is Full
Did you know? The longer a mom breastfeeds, the more she responds to her baby’s signs of fullness.
2 mins to read
12-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Why Play Is Good For Baby's Body and Mind
Your little one is bursting with energy from dusk till dawn and loves making new discoveries.
3 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be both thrilling and terrifying watching your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Your baby’s step-by-step guide to texture
Once your baby has mastered smooth purees, it’s time to offer textured foods. Experience with different textures helps him develop the skills for chewing.
1 min to read
Baby Milestones – After 6 to 7 Months
A few key milestones in your child’s development
1 min to read
