and the effect of quality sleep on your child’s physical and mental development:
Sleep has a significant impact on human health throughout life, especially for children and teens. To give your child the best possible start in life, and protect it from physical and behavioural problems as a result of poor sleep, you should consider the benefits of a good quality mattress for your kids.
Why sleep is so important for children
We spend a third of our lives in our sleep (that’s around 25 years in total). And this is not time wasted: According to One-Stop Mattress FAQ sleep is good for healthy brain function, emotional wellbeing and physical health. Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity, behavioural issues, poor concentration, a weak immune system and even depression, particularly in children. That’s why having a comfortable place to sleep is a serious matter. And if our children sleep well, so do we – and what’s more important for single parents than rest and a good night’s sleep?.
How many hours a day do kids grow? All 24! This process is especially intensive during sleep. Whilst several factors affect the production of the human growth hormone, which plays a key role in your child’s growth, the most important one is sleep.
The benefits of an orthopaedic mattress
If a child has breathing problems, tosses and turns at night, and wakes up in a bad mood, the reason, more often than not, is the child’s mattress. With a mattress that has orthopaedic properties, however, healthy sleep is virtually guaranteed. Of course, if in doubt over the reason for your child’s sleeping problems, consult a doctor, a registered nurse or a student that uses online guides like Osmosis to ensure there is no other cause.
Orthopaedic mattresses are firmer than conventional mattresses and designed to support the body, i.e. muscles, bones and joints. But they are so much more than a solution for people with back pain. They come in many different degrees of firmness giving ideal push back for the perfect sleeping position thus reducing any tossing and turning. Weight distribution and spinal alignment together with improved blood circulation help your child to wake up refreshed.
Choosing the right mattress for your child
When choosing a mattress for your child, go by the following criteria: The mattress should have a flat surface, comfortable firmness, be eco-friendly, and relatively elastic. Specialist shops offer a wide range of designs so choose wisely. Consider the age and weight of your child and check the bed mattress size, its filling, durability, and care instructions.
The right mattress at every age:
For each age category, there are general and specific mattress criteria. If you have an infant under the age of 3, you are best advised to buy a medium firm mattress. As we all know, young children have soft and pliable bones, so if a mattress is too firm, this may result in discomfort.
Many doctors consider memory foam mattresses indispensable for kids, as they offer ultimate comfort by providing spinal support and pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses adjust to the child’s shape ensuring its delicate spine is in a horizontal position which is essential for correct posture. Hence, such mattresses also play a preventive role, in particular with musculoskeletal disorders.
From the age of 4, a child’s bone system begins to grow dynamically. It is at this time that your child’s sleeping surface needs to be firmer. Mattress models with independent spring blocks are one of the optimum solutions at this age.
From the age of 7, children will start to experience higher physical and emotional stress levels. Interrupted or shortened sleep is now a much bigger problem now causing general fatigue and potentially physical ailments, such as a negative effect on bone density. Children’s bones need sleep, or they will become fragile over time!
Children grow and their bodies change more rapidly from the age of approximately 13. The size, weight and shape of their body changes significantly. Therefore, spring-free mattresses with a firm surface based on polyurethane foam are now most suitable.
Other factors to consider:
- Antibacterial treatment with silver ions will protect the body from harmful bacteria. The material of a mattress cover should be “breathable” (check a 3D label on the edge).
- Don’t buy poor-quality products. Mattress fillings can contain harmful substances.
- Check the mattress certificate to make sure the product you are buying has been subject to the necessary quality and safety checks.
As we know, the right mattress can prevent the development of scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal curvature. But a good quality orthopaedic mattress has many other benefits too: It regulates blood circulation and blood supply to all internal organs, prevents low bone density and stunted growth and helps your child wake up in a good mood and able to concentrate. And let’s not forget, if your child sleeps well, so do you, and naturally for single parents sleep is doubly important. So, a good mattress is an investment that will pay off for years to come.
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