Why are early bedtimes so important?

The answer to this question involves my favorite topic - sleep 🧪 science!

Did you know that all of us - newborns, babies, children, adolescents, adults - move through different sleep stages as we snooze? Throughout the night we cycle through 3 stages of non-REM sleep plus REM sleep multiple times. The first two stages of non-REM sleep are considered light sleep, and are essentially the journey towards the all-important third stage of non-REM sleep, otherwise known as “deep sleep.” Stage 3 non-REM sleep and REM sleep have very different biological functions in the body.

REM sleep is when dreaming happens and is associated with memory consolidation and learning. In contrast, stage 3 non-REM sleep (aka "deep sleep") helps us feel physically and mentally refreshed and allows for bodily recovery. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system. Interestingly, non-REM sleep is not equally dispersed throughout the night; in children, the bulk of non-REM sleep occurs prior to midnight (check out the hypnogram below to see how this plays out!).

What does this mean practically? Well, if your child is overtired, or sick, or had a particularly hard day, an EARLY BEDTIME is the best medicine! Earlier-than-usual bedtimes allow your child to get more of that amazingly restorative non-REM sleep so they can wake up the next day feeling their best. Early bedtimes are also essential for children struggling with chronic sleep debt. Focusing on well-timed naps, solid bedtime routines, supportive sleep environments, and EARLY BEDTIMES is the key to getting your kiddo well rested again.

If it sounds too easy - it really is!

Rachel Glantz is the certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Pine Street Sleep LLC.