Numerous studies have shown that an afternoon nap boosts energy levels and improves work performance. Adequate rest allows children to concentrate and process information better, enhancing their learning and play activities.
Children are naturally energetic and playful, running around daily. Without an afternoon recharge, they are more likely to “break down” in the afternoon, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a lack of focus.
Researchers divided a group of children into two subgroups: nappers and non-nappers. The results revealed that regular nappers had an average IQ almost seven points higher than their non-napping peers.
What does a seven-point difference mean? During the critical developmental years, this small difference can make a significant impact on their learning abilities, comprehension, emotional regulation, and even future communication skills. Children with higher IQs often find it easier to understand lessons and solve problems.
So, what’s the difference between napping and non-napping children?
Napping resets the child’s brain, leading to increased motivation for learning in the afternoon
During childhood, connections between neurons in the brain are rapidly forming. This is also a period of rapid development for the cognitive system.
It is a crucial time for developing thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. If the brain doesn’t get a chance to “clear its cache” in the afternoon, it will have to tackle new challenges in the afternoon with a head full of “old data.”
Research shows that non-napping children tend to be sluggish or in a bad mood in the afternoon. This hampers their ability to absorb knowledge, and they struggle to maintain focus. It’s no surprise that they often experience mood swings and find it hard to concentrate on their homework.
The lack of an afternoon nap can make children irritable, easily stimulated, and uncooperative in group activities.
On the other hand, napping resets the child’s brain, leaving them feeling refreshed and more motivated to learn in the afternoon. Adequate rest allows their brains to process and organize the information received in the morning. It’s like rebooting a computer, clearing unnecessary data, and optimizing performance.
Napping resets the child’s brain.
Napping facilitates the release of growth hormones
Research indicates that the release of growth hormones during deep sleep is several times higher than when awake. The same is true for afternoon naps, as children often enter deep sleep quickly, and the growth hormones produced during this time strongly promote muscle, bone, and other tissue development.
Additionally, immunity, resilience, and recovery quietly increase at this time. During naptime, immune cells are more active.
Why do some children resist napping?
Chaotic work and rest schedules
Many families stay up late at night and wake up late in the morning. For example, if parents go to bed around 11 p.m. and wake up at 8 or 9 a.m., it disrupts the entire family’s biological clock, making it challenging for children to establish healthy sleep habits.
Therefore, parents should lead by example, going to bed and waking up at fixed times to set the biological rhythm. This helps the body adjust its biological clock, promoting relaxation and a refreshed feeling upon waking.
Additionally, creating a positive bedtime routine is essential. Parents can start by setting a consistent bedtime for their children, along with relaxing activities like reading books, listening to soft music, or having a brief chat.
Create a calm and comfortable sleeping environment.
Noisy and stimulating environments hinder relaxation
In some homes, the TV stays on during naptime, or the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen fills the afternoon. This noisy atmosphere is not conducive to sleep. Or, parents may accidentally play a video aloud while putting their child to sleep, preventing the child from fully relaxing.
Children lack the ability to “filter” information like adults. When they hear surrounding sounds, their brains quickly switch to an alert state: “Is something happening? Am I missing out on something fun?” This makes it difficult for them to fall asleep, and instead of resting, they become tense and frustrated.
The right approach is to create a calm and comfortable sleeping environment. Parents can draw the curtains, turn off electronic devices, and play soft white noise to create a safe space for sleep.
Napping is not an “optional activity” but rather a “golden opportunity” for children to grow taller, smarter, regulate their moods, and boost their physical strength.
A quality afternoon nap supports brain development and improves focus, laying a solid foundation for future learning and growth. However, children don’t naturally develop good habits; they need guidance, companionship, and persistence from their parents.
