Can More Sleep Help My Child’s Sports Performance?

Fred’s Beds, Your Sports-Sleep Experts Mattress Store In North Georgia For Suwanee, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, and The Surrounding Areas

As a parent, you want your child to do their best in anything they pursue, whether academics or extracurricular activities like sports. You may have heard that getting enough sleep is essential for good health, but did you know it can also play a significant role in your child’s sports performance? At Fred’s Beds, your mattress store in North Georgia for Suwanee and the surrounding areas, we believe it is important to share the correlation between getting more sleep and children’s sports performance. Here are some interesting facts that could help your child perform their best on and off the field.

Elementary School Children

At this age, children are usually starting to explore different sports and activities. It’s essential to prioritize restful sleep to keep them healthy, happy, and able to enjoy their activities fully.

A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that children between the ages of 6-13 should get between 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many children may not meet these recommendations, which can lead to consequences such as poor academic performance, behavioral issues, and even physical health problems.

When it comes to sports performance, lack of sleep can lead to sluggishness, reduced coordination, and diminished focus, all of which can significantly impact performance. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can enhance a child’s physical abilities and help them perform better in sports.

Sleep Tips for Elementary School Children

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Include activities such as taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
• Avoid stimulating activities at bedtime, such as watching TV or playing video games.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment. This can include comfortable bedding, a cool room temperature, and minimal noise.

Middle School Kids

Middle school children are often more involved in competitive sports teams and may have more extended practice schedules. These kids need to prioritize getting enough sleep to perform at their best.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, middle school children should get between 9-11 hours of sleep per night. However, studies show that only 15% of middle school students get the recommended amount of sleep.

The consequences of sleep deprivation for middle school children are similar to those for elementary school children. Lack of sleep leads to a higher risk of injury, which can significantly impact a child’s ability to participate in their chosen sport.

Sleep Tips for Middle School Kids

• Encourage regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
• Limit sodas and caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Be mindful of screen time before bed and encourage unplugging from electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.

High School Kids

High school children have hectic schedules, with schoolwork, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities like sports. With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook the importance of restful sleep.

The recommended amount of sleep for high school students is 8-10 hours per night. Unfortunately, studies show that only 30% of high school students get the recommended amount of sleep.

Lack of sleep can significantly impact high school students’ sports performance. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that athletes who got fewer than 8 hours of sleep per night had suffered lower sports performance.

Sleep Tips for High School Kids

• Make sleep a priority as part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Learn to manage time effectively so your child can balance school, work, and sports without sacrificing sleep.
• Encourage your child to speak up if their schedule is too overwhelming and they need to make adjustments.

Fred’s Beds Wants Your Kids To Do Their Best In Everything Including Sports

Getting enough sleep is crucial for children’s health and well-being no matter what their age, especially when it comes to sports performance. As parents, it’s essential to prioritize sleep and create an environment that promotes restful sleep.

At Fred’s Beds, we understand how important it is for every family member to get their best night’s sleep. We pride ourselves on offering affordable mattresses, beds, and linens that provide style, comfort, and a great night’s sleep. Not sure what would be the best fit for your child’s sleeping needs? Let our caring sleep specialists help you find the perfect mattress for your child’s rest.
 

Got Questions? Contact Us Now Or Call Us at (770) 282-8344