Posted on 02/08/2024
A child's brain grows and develops while they are sleeping. However, children require more than just a set amount of time in bed to achieve that healthy brain development; they require sound, peaceful, refreshing sleep. Being hooked into electronic gadgets is one thing that can prevent them from getting the right amount and quality of sleep. Your child may not get the necessary amount of sleep if they are exposed to screens or if there are other electronics in the bedroom.
Bluelight from Screens
The abnormally strong light on screens tells the brain that it doesn't need to generate melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, regardless of what we're watching on those screens. Melatonin is the body's natural sleep aid that is released when the eyes are exposed to darkness or dim light. Before going to bed, exposure to light-emitting devices (from TVs, tablets, or smartphones) results in poor sleep, difficulty focusing, and moodiness. The majority of specialists advise against using screens at least one to two hours before going to bed. Instead, include more peaceful activities like reading, completing puzzles, taking baths, or playing board games before bed. The results will be dramatically noticeable.
Keeping electronic gadgets near your child's bed can expose them to electromagnetic radiation, or EMR, in addition to the light projected from screens. The gadget will be talking with cell towers and/or the WiFi internet unless it is in "Airplane Mode;" those constant radio waves can run the potential of having an unhealthy impact on your child.
Screentime Stress
Children who use technology at night may be able to still fall quickly asleep and avoid letting access to screens entice them to stay awake late into the night, but the sleep they get isn't necessarily deep and pleasant. It's referred to by some specialists as the "wired-and-tired" condition, and its end result is feeling stressed out. The outcome is an increase in blood pressure and pulse whether your child is texting a few buddies, playing video games, or browsing social media before bedtime. The high level of visual and cognitive stimulation brought on by prolonged screen usage triggers this fight-or-flight response. And hours later, the impacts are still noticeable. The type of sleep a person obtains when under stress is not good for feeling refreshed when they wake up or for exhibiting alertness during the following day.
Screen Addictions
Many young people unintentionally overeat and drink caffeinated beverages as a result of their late-night screen usage, which exacerbates their hormonal imbalance and increases overstimulation.
Sleep disorders in children and adolescents are not the only consequences of sleep deprivation, despite the fact that they can lead to serious issues on their own. A growing proportion of young people who abuse media are also dealing with mental health issues like anxiety, poor memory, depression, ADHD, and obesity.
There may be a significant correlation between your child's health and happiness and what's on their nightstand, even though it's not the only thing! Your child's nightstand contents can have a big impact on the type of restful sleep he or she receives, and good sleep habits can lead to happiness. We're going to give you some specific advice now regarding what should and shouldn't be on or in your child's nightstand.
Screentime Strategies
It's no secret that children struggle to exhibit self-control. The temptation will probably be too strong for them to resist if there are any devices in the room. Therefore, it's advisable to take away all screens from their bedroom - at least before going to bed. We understand that removing gadgets or restricting screen time may seem like a surefire way to spark serious arguments in your household. However, if you believe in picking your battles, this one is well worth the work. Reducing devices and eliminating screens from your child's room can make a big difference in how much and how well your youngster sleeps each night.
Over a few weeks, you'll notice that your youngster is becoming more focused and inclined to play creatively and physically, even if they won't change overnight. When it results in a happy, healthier child, even a few days of pouting will be worth it!
Alarm Clocks
You might put a simple alarm clock on your child's nightstand in place of an iPod or tablet. Just be certain to turn it away from the bed if the face glows too brightly. If not, the luminous face can appear to be a blue light-emitting screen, especially if your child looks at it to check the time when they wake up in the middle of the night.
White Noise
Consider getting a white noise machine, especially if your child goes to bed earlier than the other kids in the house or if there are a lot of noises in the area. Certain noise-cancelling gadgets can also function as alarm clocks, shutting off at a preset wake-up time in order to facilitate a gentler wake-up. A tiny fountain, fan, or humidifier are a few other possible sources of background noise.
In particular, if you lack air conditioning, a fan can assist in helping to keep the space cool. Sleeping temperatures are best in the cooler range, which is between 60 and 67 degrees. Humidifiers also support healthy skin and lungs during the chilly, dry winter months. An alternative is to use a dehumidifier in the warm, muggy months.
Joyful Thoughts
A photo of a special location, a serene image, or other mementos of people or things your child enjoys can serve two purposes: at the end of the day, they can serve as a decoration and a recall of something good, and they can also serve as the start of something new. Paper books can also be a part of your child's nightstand collection, provided the subjects in the reading materials don't cause anxiety in your child.
The Bedroom Source
Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children's and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable American-made collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child's dreams.
Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by submitting our online contact form. We're a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you're dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Nassau, Suffolk, the 5 Boroughs, Southern Westchester, Southwestern Connecticut & Northern New Jersey.