Rest and Sleep Importance
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What you will learn
- 1Explain why the body needs sleep to grow and repair
- 2State how many hours children should sleep each night
- 3Describe what happens when we do not get enough rest
Mini Lesson
Sleep might look like doing nothing, but while you are asleep your body is incredibly busy. Sleep is one of the most powerful health habits there is — as important as eating well and exercising.
What the body does during sleep
- Grows — most growth hormone is released during deep sleep. Children literally grow while they sleep!
- Repairs — muscles, skin, and other tissues that were damaged or worn down during the day are repaired overnight.
- Strengthens the immune system — the body produces more infection-fighting cells during sleep, helping you fight off illness.
- Consolidates memory — the brain sorts and stores everything you learned during the day, moving it into long-term memory.
- Example: After a good night's sleep, children remember things they learned the day before much better.
How much sleep do children need?
- Children aged 6–7 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night.
- A regular bedtime helps — the body works best on a consistent sleep schedule.
- The bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool for the best quality sleep.
What happens without enough sleep
- Tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
- Grumpy moods and trouble managing emotions.
- Weakened immune system — you get sick more easily.
- Slower growth because less growth hormone is released.
Words to know
Sleep
Resting time when your body and brain recharge
e.g. I sleep about 10 hours every night.
Rest
Quiet time when your body slows down
e.g. I take a rest after running.
Repair
To fix what was tired or worn out
e.g. My body repairs muscles while I sleep.
Bedtime
The time you go to sleep each night
e.g. My bedtime is at 8 o'clock.
Immune system
The part of the body that fights off illness
e.g. Sleep makes my immune system stronger.
Ask yourself: "Did I sleep 9–12 hours last night? Is my bedroom dark and quiet at bedtime?"
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