CDC: Sleep Deprivation is a Health Crisis


I've blogged a few times in the past 10 years about sleep.  Sleep deprivation is now a health crisis, according to the CDC this month.  People wonder why they, or their children, have mood issues, school issues, work issues, etc.  It isn't too hard to figure out, especially with children!  I've always been a bit passionate about this topic, so buckle your seat-belts.

I believe the biggest crisis of all is what parents do to their children - by sleep depriving them.  They don't put them to bed early enough for them to have enough sleep before they have to get up for school.  Talk about parental abuse, now that child is disabled and will be punished for it. 

The teacher and the parents will punish them for their behavior, lack of attention, failing grades, etc. - all because they are sleep-deprived and not functioning at normal capacity, thanks to the parent not ensuring this crucial need.  Most behavior problems in children are from lack of sleep.


Children need at least 10 hours of sleep and that is a documented fact.  Up until they near the age of 18, they don't go down to 9 hours.  So, if your child has to get up at 5:30 a.m., that means they should be in bed no later than 7:30, giving them that 10 hours that they NEED to function like a normal human being!  That is why homeschooling works so well for children, they get what they need more often than not.

Babies and toddlers need 12+ hours.  Both of my kids slept through the night for a complete 12 hours from 3 months on, no problems at all.  How did that happen?  I made sure to train them to sleep.  Yes, it is the parent's responsibility to train your children to have good sleep habits.  Set them up for failure success!  To this day, they get enough sleep and they perform well in school, have limited moods and great behavior.  I said all that to show you that you can do it because I did, I'm not better than anyone else; it's called parenting.

Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep but preferably 8.  Those adults who chronically get 6 hours or less of sleep are at great risk of stroke, among other things.  I've never felt right without at least 7 hours of sleep but I perform best at 8.  Try it sometime - you may find you are a new person!
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