Why Quality Sleep is Just as Important as Nutrition for Growing Kids

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As parents, we often focus on nutrition for our child’s growth, but the truth is, sleep plays an equally crucial role in their physical and mental development. Research shows that 70-80% of growth hormone (GH) is released during deep sleep. This means it is essential that your child gets good quality sleep so that they can grow taller, build muscle and develop strong bones. Growth hormone peaks about 1-2 hours after your child has fallen asleep, coinciding with their first cycle of deep (slow wave) sleep. During this crucial period, GH levels can be up to 3 times higher than daytime levels. However, even minor sleep disruptions can significantly impact this process. When children experience broken sleep or don’t get enough deep sleep, their bodies miss these critical windows for growth hormone release.

So, while nutritious meals are hugely important for growing kids, the bed your child sleeps in is probably far more important than your give it credit for. A high-quality mattress, like the ones in the Emma Sleep range, provides the proper spinal support, pressure relief and breathable comfort young bodies need for restorative sleep. Sleep experts advise choosing medium-firm, hypoallergenic mattresses, as these help to maintain spinal alignment, reduce overheating, and minimise sleep disturbances caused by allergies or discomfort. Choosing a mattress designed specifically for your child’s changing needs helps support more than just their comfort, it ensures they also get the deep restorative sleep that fuels their physical, mental and emotional development 24/7.

There are other important reasons why it’s crucial that your child gets, not just sufficient sleep, but deep restorative sleep every night.

Cognitive and Emotional Development Happens Overnight

Sleep plays a key role in brain development, especially during the early years. It helps children process what they’ve learned, retain new information and regulate their emotions. Studies have shown that children who sleep well perform better in school, have improved attention spans, and are more emotionally resilient.

Sleep Supports a Healthy Immune System

Just as vitamins and nutrients strengthen the immune system, so does sleep. When kids are well-rested, their immune system produces more infection-fighting cells and cytokines. On the flip side, chronic sleep deprivation makes children more prone to colds, infections and longer recovery times, even when their diet is spot on!

Lack of Sleep Disrupts Appetite and Eating Habits

Not only does sleep matter as much as nutrition, it can actually influence it. Studies show that poor sleep can interfere with the body’s regulation of hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased appetite and craving for sugary or fatty foods. Kids who sleep less tend to snack more and make less healthy food choices.

Why Mattress Quality Affects Sleep Quality

Your child’s health depends as much on the quality of their sleep as on the food they eat. A poor-quality mattress can interrupt their sleep, cause overheating or fail to support proper spinal alignment, especially during growth spurts.

The Emma Comfort Mattress is engineered with features specifically beneficial to growing kids. It combines 7-zone support foam with breathable, pressure relieving layers to encourage healthy posture and uninterrupted sleep. These zones are designed to cushion different parts of the body independently, making it perfect for children whose bones and joints are still developing.

For added comfort, particularly during the warmer months, the Emma Luxe Mattress features Thermosync technology that helps to regulate temperature throughout the nights, keeping even hot sleepers cool and comfortable. This helps to reduce sleep disturbances caused by overheating, which is especially important for younger children whose bodies can’t regulate temperature as efficiently.

With certified non-toxic materials and motion-isolating support, Emma mattresses are designed to create a calm, supportive and safe sleep space for kids. By prioritising a consistent bedtime routine and investing in a supportive sleep environment you’re giving them the conditions they need to thrive. Because when it comes to raising healthy kids, it’s not just what they eat that matters, it’s how well they sleep too.

Ready to upgrade your child’s sleep space? Take advantage of the Emma Sleep 30% Off Sale now!