Missing a day time sleep can be worse than a cranky toddler…..

Published by Renae (Seriously Kids) at 28 January, 2012

As parents we know the after effects of a toddler missing their sleep but now a recent study has confirmed that it does more than make your little one a little testy…….

A recent study by the university of Colorado boulder found that toddlers aged between 2 ½ -3 yrs who missed their day time nap show more anxiety as well as less joy and showed a poorer understanding and ability to problem solve.

And all this is from only one missed sleep.

The study also showed that if they have insufficient sleep that it alters their emotional responses and facial expressions, such as responding less positively to exciting events and on the flip side responding more negatively to frustrating situations or events.

The study believes that if a toddler is not getting enough sleep and then missing their day time nap exacerbates the lack of sleep issues. The professor who led the study has commented that over time it may shape their developing emotional brains and even goes as far to say that it may place them at risk of developing lifelong mood related problems.

The study was conducted on the basis of a missed 90 minute day time nap. The study showed that the lack of sleep caused them to be less positive, more negative and actually decreased their cognitive engagement.

Renae (Seriously Kids)

Renae is the founder & CEO of SK who has been working with families for decades. Her educational background and experience in the Early Childhood sector, as well as Social Science and Community Services has provided a broad base to her approach which focuses on balancing the informative but never at the expense of providing an entertaining read. From working in the private setting, not for profit, as well as government agencies and at times combining her love of travel and work on a global scale, she is also a mum who has experienced the poo blowouts, the shopping tantrums and the sleepless nights.