The importance of sleep for children’s ability to learn and remember, and how to correct bad sleep patterns
The different stages of sleep are beneficial for different aspects of memory, making it all the more important that children get enough sleep. If they don’t, here’s what you can do
The teacher of my seven-year-old son tells me he doesn’t retain concepts easily and often needs to have instructions repeated, a Hong Kong parent writes. She says he’s always tired in class and has recommended he sleeps longer to help his memory and concentration. He finds it hard to fall asleep and wakes early even if he goes to bed late. Could this be a reason why he can’t remember things?
For many years research has clearly shown that getting enough sleep is crucial to the learning process. Recent studies have shed further light on just how important sleep is for memory both before learning (to prepare the brain for understanding and making new memories) and afterwards (to remember and cement the new learning that has taken place). The right amount of sleep can provide a memory increase of up to 40 per cent.
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The studies show that different types of sleep aid different memory skills. Stage three to four sleep (the deepest sleep) is particularly important, as this is when the mind and body rejuvenate themselves, improving productivity and building cognitive skills. As the muscles relax and breathing slows down, energy is restored and essential hormones are released for growth and development. This deep, early night sleep aids both short- and long-term memory retention, and even retrieves memories forgotten before going to sleep.
On the other hand, the sleep that happens in the last two hours before waking can promote the improvement of motor skills, often referred to as “muscle memory”. This type of lighter sleep increases the brain memory of practised routines such as swimming or riding a bike. Practice and muscle training are a vital part of the process.
There could be a variety of reasons for your son’s difficulties in remembering concepts and his lack of focus in class. These might include his lack of maturity and learning readiness. Young boys are sometimes just not ready for formal learning or for applying themselves in a classroom situation, which demands concentration and sitting still for periods of time.
Bearing in mind the studies cited above, it is worth taking the teacher’s advice and persisting in helping your son improve his sleep patterns. A good night’s sleep would leave him feeling more alert for the day ahead, and ready to engage fully in school activities. Discuss with the teacher whether there is a difference in his ability to learn and remember concepts taught and observe his behaviour at home.