--Thomas Dekker
Cell
phones. I always ask kids
where they keep their cell phones at night.
The most common answer is, “on my bed” or “next to my bed”.
All parents need to know that having a cell
phone within 10 feet of a child’s brain can interfere with brain development
and the ability to get a good night’s sleep. It is frightening how many parents are not educated about the dangers associated
with children’s brain and cell phones.
“Sleep
hygiene” is the habit of preparing one’s body and mind for restful sleep: no
caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime, no TV or video games at least an hour
before bedtime, no vigorous exercise right before bedtime, and creating one’s
bedtime as a peaceful sanctuary. Add “cell
phones charging in another room” to this list.
Talk with your
family. Ensure that everyone with a cell phone is charging them someplace
other than right next to their heads at night.
Start a new family habit and move all electronics out of the bedroom. At least unplug any electronics in the
bedroom at night so the blue and red lights do not interfere with sleep.
Make
sure your kids are getting enough sleep (see “Wellness Wednesdays” published August
19, 2015: “Sleeping for Good Grades and
Good Health”). Not getting enough sleep
is associated with being overweight and with poor academic performance. Make sleep a priority. Your brain and your body will thank you!
Everyone deserves to "sleep like a baby" and ALL kids deserve to be Growing Healthy Kids.
In gratitude,
Nancy Heinrich
Founder,
Growing Healthy Kids, Inc.
