“Sleep is absolutely integral to physical growth as well as development, cognitive and emotional development,” says Dr. Hilary Myron, a pediatric sleep specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. “It’s absolutely critical.”For people of all ages, the right amount of sleep improves attention, behaviour, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Failing to get enough sleep has dire consequences: it is associated with an increase in injuries, hypertension, obesity and depression.

So what can parents and care providers do to avoid sleep-deprived and cranky children?  Establish a consistent sleep routine, seven days a week, with a consistent sleep time and wake time.