Sleep deprivation in children can have serious and long term effects on the health and development of your child. Lack of sleep has been shown to cause reduced immunity which is very dangerous in young children who are highly susceptible to infections. It also slows down the mental, emotional and physical development in children.
The length of time that a child suffers sleep deprivation is critical in determining the severity of the effects.
Children who undergo extended periods of sleep deprivation have difficulties in learning and other activities that require concentration and focus. They tend to be extremely irritable and as such they have very poor social lives. These effects can sometimes go beyond adolescence and into adulthood if the deprivation is severe.
It is therefore in the best interest of every child to ensure that they get adequate sleep by providing the best possible sleeping conditions at all times.