Kids Sleeping Patterns

Feb

2022

Benefits of Sleep

Sleep Boosts Immunity

You may be catching every cold and flu around, but it’s your bedtime that really does the trick. Prolonged lack of sleep can disrupt our immune system so we’re less able to fight off bugs!

Sleep can slim you

Sleeping less may lead to weight gain! Studies have shown that people who sleep 6 or fewer hours a day tend to put on more pounds than those with 7-hour stretches.
The risks for obesity are higher too, so if you’re struggling keep up your regular sleeping schedule tomorrow night (or any other).

It’s believed to be because sleep-deprived people have reduced levels of leptin (the chemical that makes you feel full) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone).

Sleep boosts mental wellbeing

Chronic sleep debt can lead to long-term mood disorders like clinical depression and generalised anxiety disorder in adults.

A single sleepless night may make you irritable or moody the following day, which is not surprising given that lack of proper rest has been linked with increased levels bad stress hormones throughout your body over time!

When people with anxiety or depression were surveyed to calculate their sleeping habits, it turned out that most of them slept for less than 6 hours a night.

Sleep prevents diabetes

Chronic sleep debt can lead to long-term mood disorders like clinical depression and generalised anxiety disorder in adults.

The connection between sleep and diabetes has been studied for years, but recently new research connects it with a surprising cause. When people don’t get enough good quality rest they are more likely to develop type 2 Diabetes because their bodies process glucose differently which can lead them into an energy crisis faster than normal.

Sleep wards off heart disease

The more you lack sleep, the harder your heart works to keep going. The link between long-standing sleeplessness and an increased workload on our vital organ may seem tenuous at best but studies show that there are serious consequences when this goes untreated including inflammation in addition to higher rates of hypertension or even stroke!

How to catch up on lost sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep, there’s only one way to compensate – getting more sleep.

It won’t happen with a single early night. If you’ve had months of restricted sleep, you’ll have built up a significant sleep debt, so expect recovery to take several weeks.

Starting on a weekend, try to add on an extra hour or 2 of sleep a night. The way to do this is to go to bed when you’re tired, and allow your body to wake you in the morning (no alarm clocks allowed!).

You might sleep up to 10 hours a night at first. After a while, the amount of time you sleep will gradually decrease to a normal level.

Don’t rely on caffeine or energy drinks as a short-term pick-me-up. They may boost your energy and concentration in the short term, but can disrupt your sleep patterns even further in the long term.

Nov

2021

At What Age Should Siblings Stop Sharing a Bedroom?

Some siblings love sharing a room and may want to share for as long as they can, whereas other times that might have to because of lack of space and have no choice. Here M6 Beds discuss what age should siblings stop sharing a room and have some space of their own?

What Age Should Siblings Stop Sharing a Room?

As children grow up and enter their preteen years, many recognise a need for more privacy. This is particularly true if a brother and sister share a room. As children enter double digits, we would recommend you start thinking about providing them with their own space.

What Are the Advantages of Sharing a Room?

Under the age of 10, there are many benefits of children sharing a bedroom, including:

It teaches children how to share and cooperate with others.
It fosters a close sibling bond, thanks to the additional time they spend together.
Fewer rooms are required, meaning families can share smaller homes.
They’ll never get lonely and have support nearby if they’re afraid of the dark.

What Are the Disadvantages of Sharing a Room?

Of course, there are also some drawbacks especially as they get older. For instance:

Younger siblings may disturb older brothers and sisters with crying or noise.
Different daily routines may see one sibling disturb the other’s sleep.
Squabbles can be common.
There is a lack of privacy.
Germs spread quicker. So, colds are more likely to be passed between siblings if they share a room.
Space is limited should your child like a friend to sleepover.
Mess and clutter become more concentrated in one space.
Brother and sister might disagree on how they want the room to look or feel.

If your children do share a bedroom, maximise the space that you do have. Invest in a bunk bed or storage beds so the there is much ‘free’ space as possible for the siblings!

Apr

2020

Are sofa beds just a good as a sofa?

Considering buying a sofa bed, but wondering if a plain old sofa might be wiser? In case you needed convincing, we’ve come up with the best reasons to buy a sofa bed not a sofa.

A SOFA BED IS AS COMFORTABLE TO SIT ON AS A SOFA

Approach buying a sofa bed just like you would a sofa, checking its frame and fillings for both quality of construction and how it matches your personal preferences. Sofa bed fillings include foam (for a firmer, smart-looking seat); fibre (for soft support); or plump feathers (for a soft, squashy looking sofa). Sofa beds do tend to feel firmer than sofas, so picking one with a combination of softer cushion types – fibre seat cushions and feather back cushions, for example – will give you the best balance without compromising on the look.

MODERN SOFA BEDS ARE JUST AS GOOD LOOKING AS SOFAS

Gone are the days when sofa beds were lumpy, heavy pieces of furniture you felt you had to reinforce the floor for. Many, sofa beds are as chic and svelte as they’re non-bed sofa counterparts. Just look at this Mid-century modern style sofa bed (below) for proof of our point.

SOFA BEDS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Sofa beds used to be narrow two-seaters at best. Now, there are beds in a box, loveseats, two-seaters, three-seaters and L-shaped, all of which can be easily converted into sleep surfaces to suit your space and guest numbers no matter what size your home is.

Function-wise, there’s plenty of choice, too, from pull-out sleep surfaces to sofa beds with backs that fold backwards to provide an instant double bed. Choose one that suits you best: pull outwards and you’ll need plenty of floor space in front of the sofa bed; fold backwards, and you’ll need to pull out the entire sofa before you can push the back down.

SOFA BEDS COME WITH CLEVER, SPACE-SAVING FEATURES

We know what you’re thinking: if you’ve got a sofa bed, you’ll need somewhere to stash all that extra bedding. Well, the good news is that many sofa beds come with hidden storage. And if you don’t want to keep bedding in there, they may great places to stick all that household clutter you’ve gathered and don’t have a place for.

Some now come with pull-out tables to hold food and drink, too. If you don’t believe us take a look for yourself!

SOFA BEDS ARE GREAT FOR KIDS’ SLEEPOVERS

If your child’s bedroom is small, a single armchair sofa bed or bed in a box in the corner is a useful buy; failing that, a double sofa bed in the living room will accommodate them, especially as they get older and want to stay up all night watching their favourite programme on TV!

SOFA BEDS ARE BETTER THAN SOFAS BECAUSE THEY SAVE SPACE

In a small house, flat or flat/house-share, sofa beds for small living rooms will be invaluable, giving you a spare bedroom when you need it at the drop of a hat.

Having a sofa bed in the living room, snug, TV room or in a bedroom makes perfect sense for families in larger homes, too, where guests might be frequent, but a guest bedroom not worth the space sacrifice.

Mar

2020

How to choose the right bed for growing kids

Toddler beds are an unnecessary extra expense

Although they’re all the rage, a toddler bed – which is essentially a frame that makes sure a child does not roll out of it at night as well as giving them a similar snug feeling to their cot – is something they will quickly grow too big for. ‘A toddler bed can be a good alternative for children who are finding the transition to a ”big” bed difficult’.

Cleanliness is important

It is extremely important to keep your Childs bed as clean as possible.

The best way to avoid a dirt mattress is:

clean bed sheets weekly, including pillow cases and duvet cover.
air out the bed with no sheets on for at least two hours when you change the sheets.
these two hours are ideal for cleaning the room, which includes both dusting and vacuuming.

In general, a clean and tidy home (and bedroom) is a good way of controlling the spread of illness.

The importance of having a good mattress

A good mattress will support your whole body and ensure that your spine is in a neutral position while you sleep. Finding the right mattress that will give ensure a great night’s sleep as your children are getting both the right support as well as the right comfort level.

Jan

2020

Space-saving tips for kids that share a bedroom

Prevent your kids’ bedroom from becoming cluttered and untidy with these creative space-saving tips.

If your kids share a bedroom, it can be challenging to design a space that provides them with a comfortable amount of floor space to play.

Here are our top space-saving tips for creating a shared kids’ bedroom that is fun, functional and uncluttered.

Bunk beds

One of the best ways of freeing up floor space in your kids’ bedroom is by investing in bunk beds. Not only are bunk beds a practical solution, they’re also a lot of fun and most kids will love the novelty of bunking together.

Utilise wall space

If your kids’ bedroom is lacking floor space, putting shelves and hooks on the walls can help to add extra storage to the room. Be careful not to add too much to the walls though or you risk making the room look cluttered.

Multi-functional furniture

Choose the furniture for your kids’ bedroom carefully, investing in multi-functional pieces whenever possible. Choose beds that include underbed storage, a desk or dressing table that also has shelving, or even a toy chest that doubles as a seat.

Fold-down desk and chair

If the kids need a desk in their bedroom but you’ve run out of floor space, try attaching a fold down desk on hinges to the wall. Pair the desk with a fold up chair and both can be tidied away when not in use.

Less is more

Small bedrooms feel even smaller when they are very busy, untidy or full of clutter. Encourage minimalism and get into the habit of sorting through your kids’ old clothes and toys regularly and either getting rid of items they have outgrown or putting them in storage.

To find out more about the bunk beds we stock here at M6 Beds, give our team a call on 01270 879 379.

Dec

2019

4 reasons to make your child’s bedroom a tv-free zone

If you’ve been considering giving in to your child’s constant nagging for a television in their bedroom, we’ve got 4 reasons to think again.

In today’s modern age, children’s bedrooms are often a hub of screens and technology. But have you stopped to consider the impact that having a television in the bedroom could have on your child’s health and wellbeing?

Here are four reasons to think twice about putting a television in your child’s bedroom.

Encourage them to do other things

In today’s technology-rich, constantly connected world, kids are spending more time than ever before glued to screens. Kids without televisions and other gadgets in their bedrooms are forced to find alternative things to do like read, learn a new skill, play outside, or do something creative.

Prevent them from staying up late watching tv

If your child has a television in their bedroom it may become difficult to regulate what time they’re watching it until. Children who regularly stay up late watching TV can find it difficult to concentrate the following day as they become tired and irritable.

Reduce blue light before bed

Numerous studies have concluded that looking at screens before bed can disrupt our natural sleep patterns. This is because electronic screens give off blue light which causes our body to suppress the production of melatonin. Melatonin is very important for helping our bodies to regulate our sleep/wake cycle and without melatonin we may struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep.

Monitor what they’re watching

If your child has a TV in their bedroom you don’t only relinquish control of when they’re watching it, but the content that they have access to as well. Children with televisions in their bedroom could easily gain access to inappropriate content such as very scary, violent or sexual programmes or films. Watching something inappropriate for their age could disturb or confuse them or cause nightmares.

Sep

2019

Tips for getting more sleep with a newborn

One of the biggest challenges that new parents must face is surviving the sleep deprivation.

Whether your baby wakes hourly to feed, or won’t settle in their crib, getting enough sleep with a newborn can be difficult.

Adjusting to life with the newest member of your family can be all kinds of wonderful, emotional and testing, so it’s important to rest, sleep and recharge whenever you can.

We understand that every baby is different, and what works for one family won’t work for the next.

We’ve gathered a list of different tips, ideas and advice in the hope that at least one of them will help you get a few more minutes sleep, so that you’re rested and ready to take on each brand new day with your baby.

Go to bed when your baby does.
Go to bed early and have your partner take the first night feed.
Swaddle your baby to prevent unnecessary wakeups caused by the startle reflex.
Position the crib by your bedside that so you don’t have to get up.
Forget the chores and nap when baby naps.
Rotate the night shift with your partner (one night on, one night off).
Try using a motion-detecting white noise toy to help your baby sleep for longer stretches.
Invest in blackout curtains.
Practice good sleep hygiene, especially if you’re suffering from insomnia.
Try implementing a relaxing bedtime routine (for both you and baby!)
Don’t worry about dos and don’ts, do whatever works for you and your baby.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep when baby is peacefully dreaming, go back to basics and make sure that your sleep environment is comfortable. Try investing in a new mattress, pillow or duvet, and ensure that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature.

And finally, as exhausted and grumpy as you may feel, don’t forget that this phase won’t last forever

Aug

2019

Wind down activities to try including in your toddler’s bedtime routine

A consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler to wind down before bed, drift off faster, and sleep more soundly.

Helping your toddler with their bedtime routine can be a lovely way to spend some quality time together at the end of a busy day, away from distractions.

It is recommended that a bedtime routine takes somewhere between 30 minutes and one hour.

There are some basic elements of the bedtime routine that you will always keep, like changing into pyjamas, and brushing teeth, but as your toddler grows and develops, you may want to add in some new activities too.

Here are a few ideas for fun and calming activities to try with your toddler to help them get ready for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Talk about their day– Help your toddler to reflect on their day by asking what they’ve done, what made them happy, and what they’d like to do the next day.

Read a book– Let your child pick a book and read them a bedtime story.

Toddler yoga– Practising yoga has numerous mental and physical benefits. It is thought that it can help to improve their focus, strength, and coordination, as well as improving mindfulness and reducing anxiety and stress. There are now plenty of toddler yoga books to buy and free guided sessions available on YouTube to help you get your toddler stretching and feeling relaxed before bed.

Applying moisturiser– It’s a good idea to apply a natural moisturiser to your child’s delicate skin regularly, so why not combine it with a relaxing massage before bed?

Sing a lullaby– Singing a lullaby to or with your child can be a soothing end to the day.

Storytelling– Rather than reading a book, tell your toddler stories from your childhood, from your imagination, or ask them to tell you one.

Bath– Add a couple of drops of a relaxing essential oil like lavender to your toddler’s bath and let the scented warm water do its magic.

Meditation – Teaching your toddler some basic meditation techniques and practising them before bed, is not only fun, but teaches them a valuable lesson in how to switch off and calm a busy mind.

Jul

2019

How much sleep do children need?

Children who are very drowsy during the day or behave excessively irritable or emotional may not be getting enough sleep.

These are just a few of the commonest signs of sleep deprivation in children. Other signs can include hyperactivity, trouble concentrating, falling asleep during the day, difficulty waking up in the morning, and clinginess.

Sleep is extremely important to your child’s growth, health, and development, and the amount of sleep that they will need as they grow is constantly changing, so it’s important to keep adapting their bedtime accordingly.

Below you can find the recommended hours of sleep required by children of different ages according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Newborns (0-3 months):14-17 hours
Infants (4-11 months):12-15 hours

Toddlers (1-2 years):11-14 hours

Pre-schoolers (3-5 years):10-13 hours
School-aged Children (6-13 years):9-11 hours

Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
Young Adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours

Every child’s requirements will be slightly different, so these times should be used as a rough guide only.

Your child needs both the right amount of sleep and good quality sleep. If you find that they are taking a very long time to get to sleep, waking up very early, or suffering with disrupted sleep, then you need to work out what’s causing their sleep problems.

Consider changing the time your child goes to bed, changing their sleep environment, or implementing a bedtime routine to help them wind down before bed to get a more peaceful and restful night’s sleep.

If your child fights sleep, try using the tips in our blog how to deal with a child who hates bedtimeto tackle the bedtime struggle.

Here at M6 beds we stock a variety of comfortable beds and bunk bedssuitable for children. Get in touch with our team of experts by calling us on 01270 879 279 to discuss your requirements in more details and find out more about our products.

Oct

2018

How Much Sleep Should Your Kids Be Getting?

Anyone who has children will understand that making sure they get adequate sleep can be challenging unless those parents are very lucky. Keeping to strict bedtimes everyday is unrealistic but there is guidance available that might help you decide if your kids are getting enough sleep or if they need to go to bed earlier.

If we set aside babies who tend to sleep at all times of the day, experts recommend that children under 3 should get around 12 hours of sleep. This number falls slightly for those aged 3 to 6 years old who need between 10 and 12 hours sleep a night.

For children aged 7 to 12 the amount of sleep needed falls to 10 to 11 hours and, contrary to popular belief, teenagers need 8 to 9 hours.

So if your teenage children are lying in bed too long then it might be time to start getting them up earlier and for younger children the focus should be on getting them to bed early enough for them to get the sleep they need.

For those not getting enough sleep the consequences can be anything from under achieving in exams to clumsiness and bad behaviour in school.

Kids Sleeping Patterns

Benefits of Sleep

Sleep Boosts Immunity

Sleep can slim you

Sleep boosts mental wellbeing

Sleep prevents diabetes

Sleep wards off heart disease

How to catch up on lost sleep

At What Age Should Siblings Stop Sharing a Bedroom?

What Are the Disadvantages of Sharing a Room?

How to choose the right bed for growing kids

Toddler beds are an unnecessary extra expense

Cleanliness is important

The importance of having a good mattress

Space-saving tips for kids that share a bedroom

4 reasons to make your child’s bedroom a tv-free zone

Tips for getting more sleep with a newborn

Wind down activities to try including in your toddler’s bedtime routine

How much sleep do children need?

How Much Sleep Should Your Kids Be Getting?

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