26/02/2019
Boosting Your Child’s Sleep So They Can Shine at Camp And Beyond
Summer, Easter, and half-term camps for kids are a fantastic opportunity for parents to offer a range of activities during the school holidays. Camps are a great way for kids to socialise with new people, but also to enhance their focus and reduce stress levels while taking part in a host of energetic activities in lush surrounds.
If your child has never been to camp, a great way to instill a love for adventure in them, is through a visit to Barracudas Activity Day Camps, where kids can enjoy up to 80 different activities. If you've already signed your child up, make sure they're ready to give it their all by ensuring they get a great night’s sleep!
Why is Sleep so Important for Camp?
Day camp involves a number of different activities that require concentration, focus, and memory. Numerous studies have shown that sleep affects these qualities in important ways. One 2018 study undertaken at Michigan State University, for instance, found that sleep deprivation causes accidents, mistakes, and poor memory.
Kids get the most out of their camp day when they're fully rested. Make sure they get the appropriate number of hours of sleep for their age, to ensure they are fully ‘present’ when camp staff are giving instructions on everything from creative to active pursuits. This will help them get maximum fun from their multi-activity sessions.
Good Sleep Begins Early
Most kids who go to camp are a little older but if you've just had a baby, know that it is never too early to start them on the road to great sleep. Newborns will generally lead you in terms of sleeping times but once a child enters the toddler and child years, establishing a sleep routine is key. Children need specific hours of sleep depending on their age.
Children aged three to five, for instance, are recommended 11 to 12 hours, while those aged 10 to 17 need between 9 to 10 hours nightly. Their academic and social skills depend on good sleep, so take all the steps you need to ensure they go through all the relevant sleep stages (including the vital stage of deep sleep).
Tips for Better Sleep
If your child isn’t sleeping their required number of hours a night you may be surprised to learn how easy it is to make a difference. Make sure your child’s room is dark and sound-proof, and remove all TVs and technology from their bedroom. Breathing exercises before bed can help as can turning off electronic gadgets in the late afternoon.
If your child is signed up for Easter camps or summer camps, make sure that sleep is a priority so they feel as energetic as they should. Well rested children can focus better on tasks at hand, and follow safety and other instructions. A bedtime routine is key if children are to feel sleepy in accordance with their body clock, so make sure that your little one knows when to expect you to utter the familiar phrase: “Lights out!”
Article written for Barracudas Activity Day Camps by Jennifer Kipper