Tidur Siang: Manfaat Penting Bagi Tumbuh Kembang Anak
Tidur merupakan kebutuhan dasar yang sangat penting bagi tumbuh kembang anak. Selain tidur malam, tidur siang juga memegang peranan yang signifikan dalam menjaga kesehatan dan perkembangan sang buah hati. Orang tua sebaiknya tidak mengabaikan waktu tidur siang anak, karena aktivitas ini memiliki berbagai manfaat positif yang sangat berpengaruh terutama dalam mendukung kemampuan kognitif dan emosional anak.
Berikut adalah tujuh manfaat utama tidur siang bagi anak yang perlu diketahui:
1. Membantu anak tidur lebih nyenyak di malam hari
Contrary to the common belief that afternoon naps can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns, several studies have shown that children who have consistent afternoon nap schedules find it easier to fall asleep at night. This is because napping helps reduce excess fatigue from physical and mental activities throughout the day.
2. Mendukung proses belajar dan daya ingat anak
A sufficient afternoon nap can enhance a child’s ability to remember information they have learned. Children who nap regularly also show better concentration and excel in games that require memory skills, making napping an essential part of the learning process.
3. Menjaga berat badan tetap ideal
Good quality sleep, including afternoon naps, is known to help regulate a child’s metabolism. Children who get enough sleep tend to have a regular and balanced eating pattern. In contrast, sleep deprivation can lead to eating pattern disturbances that may result in increased risk of overweight.
4. Memperbaiki suasana hati anak
Afternoon naps also play a role in regulating a child’s emotions. Children who get enough afternoon sleep generally have a more stable mood, are less fussy, and are calmer in responding to various situations. On the other hand, lack of sleep can make a child more sensitive and prone to mild stress.
5. Mengembalikan energi anak untuk beraktivitas
Physical and mental activities from early morning can drain a child’s energy. Afternoon naps provide a moment to replenish that energy. Children who nap wake up with a fresher body and are ready to continue playing and learning activities with enthusiasm.
6. Mengoptimalkan fungsi kognitif anak
Research indicates that children who nap after learning have better abilities to understand and apply newly acquired information. The napping process helps the brain effectively process and store information, leading to improved cognitive function overall.
7. Membantu menjaga nafsu makan anak
Fatigue due to lack of sleep can disrupt a child’s eating schedule. When tired, children tend to refuse to eat or even fall asleep before having a meal. By ensuring that the need for afternoon nap is met, a child’s eating pattern becomes more regular and their appetite remains stable.
Durasi tidur siang yang dianjurkan
The need for afternoon naps varies depending on a child’s age. Children aged 1-2 years should ideally sleep for 14 hours a day, which can be divided into 11 hours of nighttime sleep and around 3 hours of afternoon nap. As they grow older, the duration of a child’s afternoon nap will decrease. Children aged 6 years and above generally need only 30 minutes of afternoon nap.
Tips membiasakan anak tidur siang
To establish an effective afternoon nap routine, parents can set a consistent nap time every day, create a comfortable sleeping environment, and allow quiet time before sleep. Reducing screen time and increasing physical activities in the morning can also help children nap more easily.
