For kids, summer is a time to relax and recover from the demands of school, right? So how lax should we be with our kids and how much should we let them sleep in? Are the benefits of a good night’s sleep worth letting our kids be a little lazier during the summer months? Well for children and teens, sleep is a powerful thing and all experts agree that letting kids get plenty of sleep each night will have a positive impact on their health and well-being, even if it means sleeping in a little bit longer during summer vacation.

Studies show that sleep deprivation in children can lead to a string of potential health problems, so before you being waking them up early on a day off from school like summer vacation, discover the benefits of letting them indulge in some extra Zs. Summer vacation can be a busy time for parents and kids, and sometimes you may not be able to let your kids sleep in late due to schedules or obligations, but it is a good time to ensure they are getting the right amount of sleep. Sleep doctors say that toddlers need 10-12 hours of sleep per night plus a one to three hour nap during the day. Grade school-aged kids and tweens need 10-12 hours of sleep per night and teens need nine to ten hours of sleep per night.

While this may be a questionable parenting topic, not letting your child sleep in when appropriate could actually be hazardous to their health. In a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, researchers examined children’s weight and metabolic regulation based on varying sleep schedules. They found that kids who weren’t allowed to “catch up” on sleep on the weekends had poor metabolic function and were more likely to be obese. When you let your child sleep in, you can help them maintain a healthier body weight. Similarly, lack of sleep can cause a lot of stress and difficulty for a child. Even physical complications like headaches can create a negative outlook on life for children.

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial and getting enough sleep is, too. If you suspect your child is not getting the rest they need, our sleep doctors can help. We diagnose sleep disorders for people of all ages and can help treat your sleep issues no matter how big or how small.