Sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially important for growing kids. The National Sleep Foundation, an organization which focuses on the health aspects of sleep, has outlined the amount of sleep necessary for kids by age. According to the nonprofit, toddlers need anywhere from eleven to fourteen hours sleep per night while a teenager needs between eight and ten.
Just as adults can be negatively affected by lack of sleep, kids and teens can be as well. To help your child get enough sleep remove distractions from the room, monitor the temperature of the room, create a dark space for sleeping, turn off electronic devices including television well in advance of bedtime, and avoid caffeine. Having fresh sheets and a comfortable bed also help people sleep better.
Purchasing a mattress for your school aged or teen children might not seem like a big deal, but in reality a mattress can last for around eight years so depending on when you make the purchase, it could be around for a while impacting the quality of sleep your child gets. However, when making your mattress selection, consider your child’s age. Your child might fit fine in a twin size bed now, but will he or she grow out of it in the next couple years? Because mattresses can last so long, it may be in your best interest to purchase a high quality full or queen size mattress that your child can grow into and use throughout middle and high school years. A supportive and comfortable mattress is what you want for your school aged and teenaged kids because it can help them get the sleep that is very important for their growth and well being.
Sources:
https://sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/touch.php
https://sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/sleep-news/how-much-sleep-do-babies-and-kids-need
http://sleepcenter.ucla.edu/sleep-and-teens
