Early To Bed, Early To Rise, Makes You Healthy And Wise: Why Is Monitoring Your Child’s Sleep Important?

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" a well-known proverb has stood the test of time. A simple sentence that carries profound wisdom regarding the positive effects of early rising and a consistent sleep routine.

In this article, we will explore the various benefits of following this age-old advice, including improved physical and mental health, increased productivity, and enhanced overall well-being. Let's delve into the reasons why embracing an early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine can lead to a healthier, wealthier, and wiser life.

Boosts Physical Health

By going to bed early and waking up early, one can align one’s sleep patterns with the natural rhythms of the day. This promotes better sleep quality, allowing the body to rest and rejuvenate properly. Research suggests that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate metabolism, promotes weight management, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Children are growing fast and need a more well organised day and night schedule so that they can keep up with their academics, extracurricular activities, tuition and also follow their passions. We want all rounders but we often fall short of giving them the right training to perform well. If you want to make sure your child is doing well at school, first start at home, early dinner and early to bed should be non negotiable.

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Enhances Mental Well-being

Adequate sleep is essential for optimal cognitive function and emotional well-being. Waking up early provides one with a peaceful and positive start to their day, allowing time for self-reflection, mindfulness practices, or engaging in activities that promote clarity of thought. Early mornings often offer tranquillity, freedom from distractions, which can contribute to reduced stress levels, improved focus, and enhanced productivity throughout the day.

In a world where we expect the little ones to remember everything - from formulae in physics and maths, to the wars in history to the topography in geography and also remember the keys on piano we are rarely allowing them to take a break. These young minds face pressure to be their best in everything they do. As a parent, you probably did or did not face these kinds of challenges. Sleep allows their brains and bodies to recuperate, reorganise and recharge. Experts have often pointed out the importance of good sleep among children - follow their advice.

Increases Productivity

Starting the day early gives you a head start over others, allowing one to utilise the early morning hours for personal growth, skill development, or pursuing passions. This uninterrupted time can be used for goal-setting, planning, exercising, reading, or engaging in other productive activities. By accomplishing important tasks in the early hours, one can set a positive tone for the day and experience a sense of achievement.

Cultivates Discipline and Time Management

Embracing an early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine requires discipline and commitment. By consistently adhering to a set sleep schedule, individuals develop a habit of good time management. This discipline extends to other aspects of life, such as work, studies, and personal goals. With a structured routine, one is more likely to allocate time efficiently, prioritise tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Children learn by doing things themselves. They need boundaries and instructions that they can understand and follow. To discipline young children does not mean to punish them, but to set examples and expect them to follow. An early sleeping and waking routine is the most basic form of discipline. And like clock work the rest of the day simply sets itself on the timer and they can go about doing their tasks accordingly.

Fosters Personal Growth and Learning

The early morning hours provide a quiet and uninterrupted space for personal growth and learning. It offers an opportunity to engage in self-reflection, introspection, and setting intentions for the day. By dedicating time to reading, learning new skills, or pursuing hobbies, one can expand his/her knowledge, stimulate creativity, and foster personal growth.

As your children grow they will begin to make choices and make decisions for themselves. If you invest in making sure they learn the importance of good practices at an early age, you will have a teenager who can surely look out for themselves.

Also Read | Science Behind the Building and Breaking of Habits

Embracing this simple routine of sleeping and waking early offers numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, increased productivity, enhanced discipline, and personal growth. By prioritising sleep, you are prioritising yourself. Encourage your children to follow this routine as it is beneficial for them.