A Child's Bedtime Matters: Here’s the Ideal Hour to Sleep
Casal dels Infants – A child’s bedtime is a crucial factor often overlooked by parents, yet it supports optimal growth and development. In addition to proper nutrition and stimulation, sufficient and high-quality sleep helps children not only feel refreshed the next day but also boosts the production of vital hormones that influence their physical growth and cellular development.
Dr. Ian Suryadi Setja, a pediatrician at Tzu Chi Hospital, recommends that parents establish a healthy sleep routine for their children. One key step is ensuring that children are already asleep by 9:00 p.m. (WIB) at the latest.
“Have dinner by 6 p.m., then give milk at 8 p.m. After that, start getting ready for bed. Try not to let them sleep later than 9 p.m.,” Dr. Ian shared during a media discussion held in Semanggi, Jakarta (June 2).
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A child’s bedtime plays a crucial role in helping them enter the deep sleep phase at the right time. This stage is essential as it stimulates the production of growth hormone. This hormone is vital for increasing height, repairing body tissues, and supporting the development of muscles and organs.
The pituitary gland in the brain produces growth hormone. It reaches peak production between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is when children are usually in their deepest sleep. The quality of sleep during this period greatly affects how effectively the hormone functions.
“If children are woken up between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., even just for a kiss, their growth hormone production may decrease,” Ian explained.
Dr. Ian also advises parents not to disturb their child’s deep sleep. This includes the common habit of giving milk in the middle of the night, unless there is a medical need.
“Giving breast milk or formula during these critical sleep hours can interfere with the hormone’s peak activity,” he said.
If a child wakes up during the night, parents are encouraged not to immediately interact. Instead, allow the child to fall back asleep on their own so the deep sleep cycle remains undisturbed.
By applying a consistent sleep routine, such as early dinner, avoiding late bedtimes, and minimizing nighttime disturbances, parents can support their child’s development. These habits help children make the most of their growth period. Sleep is not just rest; it is a powerful investment in your child’s future.
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