The Importance of Sleep

Following are some observations from various studies illustrating some of the difficulties faced and the behavioral changes in children with sleep problems (from Wiessbluth's Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and On Becoming Baby Wise, by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, MD):

• Children do not "outgrow" sleep problems; problems must be solved.
• Children who sleep longer during the day have longer attention spans.
• Babies who sleep less in the daytime appear more fitful and socially demanding, and they are less able to entertain or amuse themselves.
• Toddlers who sleep more are more fun to be around, more sociable, and less demanding. Children who sleep less can behave somewhat like hyperactive children.
• Small but constant deficits in sleep over time tend to have escalating and perhaps long-term effects on brain function.
• Children with higher IQs -- in every age group studied -- slept longer.
• For ADHD children, improvements in sleep dramatically improved peer relations and classroom performance.
• Healthy sleep positively affects neurologic development and appears to be the right medicine for the prevention of many learning and behavioral problems.

As a childcare provider, it is your responsibility to make sure the children in your center are getting sufficient naps. One way to ensure naps is to use nap mats or cots. Nap mats and cots ensure more restful naps for children.

When using nap mats or cots, you must also be sure the mats and cots are clean and sanitary. The best way to do this is to use mat sheets. PureFUN! offers three high quality, economical, and effective mat sheet styles.

• The Pillowcase Style sheet fits onto mats exactly how pillowcases fit onto pillows.
• The Pocket Style mat sheets have a pocket on each side that the mats fit securely in.
• The Cot Sheet with elastic corners fit snugly onto cots.

These sheets are handmade with high quality white sheeting fabric. All profits from these sheets go directly to The Refugee Sewing Society and the woman who made the sheet.

A PureFUN! customer from North Carolina states, "The health dept is very picky about the whole mat being covered. This one works great. My 3 and 4 yr olds have to make their own bed and then take the sheet off their bed. They can do it with no problem. Please tell anyone anywhere in any center that uses 24x48” mats that this is the best sheet I have ever seen. I will gladly be a reference for you for any center. These are awesome.”

Find more information about mat sheets here: http://www.purefuninc.com/
Find more information about the Refugee Sewing Society here: beingbetterforall.blogspot.com and refugeesewingsociety.webs.com

Source: www.webmd.com