Importance of Naptime for Growing Minds

During the first few years of life, children are growing at a near constant rate – physically, mentally, emotionally - and all that growing takes up a lot of energy. While a good night’s sleep is essential for healthy development, many children don’t get all the recommended hours overnight. That’s why naptime is such a crucial part of their daily sleep routine and overall well-being. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), recommends these total hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps, to support optimal health: 

• Infants (4 months to 12 months): 12-16 hours per 24 hours 

• Children (1 to 2 years): 11-14 hours per 24 hours  

• Children (3 to 5 years): 10-13 hours per 24 hours 

• Children (6 to 12 years): 9-12 hours per 24 hours 

The AASM also tells us that regularly sleeping less than the recommended hours is associated with challenges in attention, behavior, learning, and increased risks of health-issues like hypertension, obesity, and mood disorders. We also know that sleep deprivation can also have an impact on the immune system, making children more susceptible to illness.  

At Jelly Bean Junction, naptime is an important part of the daily routine for many of our classrooms. Our mornings are filled with learning, imaginative play, and high-energy activities, and by midday, those little bodies and minds are ready for a well-earned rest. 

Here’s how we make it happen in our classrooms: 

• We create a calm, quiet environment: Lights are dimmed, we play soft music, and every child has their own cot, mat, or crib. 

• We respect each child’s individual needs: Some will fall asleep; others will partake in quiet activities. Both are fine. 

• We keep to a routine: Consistency promotes good sleep habits. At our learning centers, naptime immediately follows lunch every day. 

Once children reach school age, we begin to transition away from naps but support children in other ways to improve nighttime sleep habits. For example, we only feed children in our care a healthy diet and provide many opportunities for exercise throughout the day, both of which contribute to healthy sleep. 

Ultimately, we understand that sleep is so much more than just a break. It’s a crucial part of how children grow, learn, and develop. And we see the effects of healthy sleep habits firsthand: children who get consistent rest tend to show better focus, stronger emotional regulation, and an easier time engaging in our activities. On the flip side, fatigue can make transitions harder, moods more challenging, and attention spans shorter. By prioritizing naptime into our programs, we’re supporting their whole well-being.    When you send your child to a Jelly Bean Junction Learning Center, you can trust that we will work with you to ensure your child gets what they need to foster strong sleep hygiene: consistent routines, healthy meals, plenty of active play during the day, and a naptime that supports their rest at night. 

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