I think we can all agree that we’re better versions of ourselves after getting a full nights sleep… babies and toddlers are no different! Of course it’s nice to have a little one that sleeps through the night and takes good, long naps. But many people don’t also realize the importance of rest for a child.

🧠 Sleep actually plays such a huge role in the mood, behavior, and development of our little ones.

🧠 Let’s put on our science goggles for a minute… The brain is a major consumer of energy; it is constantly working to process everything that we’re doing, both physically and mentally. While we’re sleeping, the brain actually works to compartmentalize everything that we’ve experienced throughout the day.

🧠 There are different stages of sleep within our sleep cycle. Each stage is important for various reasons: restorative, growth, development, memory and learning, etc. Hence why it is essential to have long and quality sleep to get through each stage of sleep, completing your sleep cycle.

🧠 We love to see our children achieve new milestones. So remember, while it’s amazing to be on a great schedule and getting a full nights sleep, the importance of a well-rested child is vital for these new milestones.

🧠 I almost forgot to mention this bonus! A well-rested child actually has decreased frequency of colds and other illnesses! I know we all hate when our babies get sick… and with daycare, playdates, and school, it seems like they’re always feeling under the weather. While we sleep, our body produces immune-boosting cells. This is also why when we’re sick, we also feel tired. Our body is practically begging us to go to sleep so that it can get to work on healing itself.

🧠 Has your little one been having trouble sleeping? Let me know what you’re struggling with in the comments!

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