Sleep and Memory Are the Flip Sides of the Same Coin

Sleep is like a reset button for body and mind. Especially for children, a good night’s rest improves their physical development and cognitive functions like memory retention. 

During sleep, the body repairs tissues, grows muscle, and strengthens the immune system. Since children are very active during the day, a peaceful sleep is even more necessary. It supports their brain function, balances emotions, and gives them enough energy for another day’s intense physical and mental activity. 

Without sufficient sleep, children may struggle to focus, memory becomes poor, and find it difficult to retain new information or skills.

Sleep and Memory Retention are Closely Connected

Sleep lets the brain consolidate information and experiences they may have had throughout the day, from short-term to long-term memories. Growing children are constantly learning and processing new information, so to retain this new information, or things they’ve learned or discovered at school, and to apply this knowledge in the most creative ways, good sleep is the major contributor. 

On the flip side, poor sleep can disrupt memory consolidation, making it harder for kids to recall information.

Healthy Sleep Habits for a Day Full of Energy

Here are some of the basic rules for children to follow to cultivate a healthy sleep habit:

1. Eat by 7:30 pm
2. Take a warm bath before sleep
3. Keep your bed clean and tidy
4. Set dim lighting in the room
5. Sleep before 9 pm every day
6. Wake up around 6-7 am everyday

Although these are some simple steps to follow, consistently doing so improves sleep quality significantly. 

Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Memory

Sleep allows the body to settle from the day’s activity and heal. If children fail to get adequate sleep, they may struggle to remember lessons, follow instructions and stay focused at school. 

Scientists say that over time, chronic sleep deprivation can even affect brain development and lead to long-term cognitive challenges. So, parents must recognise the signs of sleep deprivation in children and take a few steps to address them. 

Tips for Parents to Promote Healthy Sleep

Parents can take the following measures when children are seen tardy and active even after bedtime:

• Make sure your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Reduce screen time at least an hour before bedtime.
• Let children regularly exercise or play sports during the day, as it can help them fall asleep faster.
• Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or listening to soft music.
• Keep the bedroom clean, dark, and quiet for a restful night’s sleep.

Conclusion

A night of good sleep can heal and improve one’s capacity to stay active and alert during the day. Therefore, the same applies to children since they are highly active during the day, and to keep that energy up without affecting the body is a restful and timely sleep. If parents could support children in keeping up with healthy sleep routines and address sleep deprivation when necessary, children would perform well at and outside school.

CMR Gandhi Public School recognizes the importance of this and encourages parents to ensure their children go to bed early. We also recommend that our children eat healthy and sleep well – these are the two daily mantras to follow. To learn more about our learning philosophy, schedule an appointment to visit the campus or contact us via email at cmrgandhischool@gmail.com.