I have written before about the importance of children getting enough sleep.
A recent study underscores how crucial naps are especially for children ages 10 to 12 years old.
The website Science Daily publishes the latest science research news. On May 31, 2019, it published an article with the results of a study of 3,000 children ages 10 to 12 (4th to 6th graders) by the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Irvine. The study’s summary is as follows:
Children who nap 30 to 60 minutes midday at least three times a week are happier, have more self-control and grit, and showcase fewer behavioral problems, according to new research. These children also have higher IQs and excel academically.
For children in grade 6, the researchers found the greatest impact academically. One of the researchers commented: "Children who napped three or more times per week benefit from a 7.6% increase in academic performance in Grade 6. How many kids at school would not want their scores to go up by 7.6 points out of 100?"
The article discusses the differences between the attitudes toward napping in the US and China. In the US, napping is not encouraged as children grow older. However, in China, napping is a part of everyday life from early childhood and even into adulthood.
Incorporating naps during school time can be done. Another researcher commented: "The midday nap is easily implemented, and it costs nothing, particularly if accompanied by a slightly later end to the day, to avoid cutting into educational time. Not only will this help the kids, but it also takes away time for screen use, which is related to a lot of mixed outcomes.”
To read the entire study, please CLICK HERE.