Saving Sleep by Staying Active Indoors

Winter is Coming…

As the colder weather approaches, I find myself growing anxious about the prospect of saving sleep by staying active indoors with my children. I place such importance on maintaining healthy sleep habits and I believe in the connection between children’s physical activity and quality sleep. Nevertheless, staying active during the inclement weather takes more thought and energy but, if healthy sleep is a priority, it can be done.

Saving Sleep

The benefits of quality sleep on our health are undeniable. Saving sleep during the colder months is just as important as any other time. In fact, one study conducted in 2015 by the CDC showed that “insufficient sleep among children and adolescents is associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, attention and behavior problems, and poor academic performance”. Simply said, this is pretty scary stuff. It was enough to get me on board with encouraging healthy sleep habits from the beginning for my first born, years ago.

Active kids and Healthy Sleep

Because I believe wholeheartedly in the benefits brought on by healthy sleep habits, I’ve always prioritized sleep in my home. I know very well that the more active my kids stay throughout the day, the stronger their naps are and the more easily they go down at nighttime. The decrease in physical activity brought on by inclement weather always concerns me as I know their sleep will be directly impacted. I know this because I’ve seen it over and again with my own children. But the connection between physical activity and quality sleep are undeniable because research has actually shown to support this as well.

Researchers in New Zealand found that the average time it takes a young child to fall asleep was directly impacted by the amount of activity they had throughout the day. In fact, every hour of sedentary activity tacked on 3 minutes to the time it took a child to fall asleep. While this may seem minor to some of you, these precious minutes add up quickly and can result in bedtime battles, night wakings, and early risings–three common sleep issues parents call me about constantly.

Saving Sleep by Staying Active Indoors

So, months of inclement weather scare me to say the least! Over the years, though, I have found there are ways of saving sleep by staying active indoors if you’re willing to get creative, get out there, and set aside those devices the majority of the time. Below is a list of great options for staying active indoors and hanging onto your precious sleep:

Local Gyms

offer daycare options that give children opportunity for indoor play with children their age. Check out Fort Hill Fitness for a great option here in Naperville.

Local Libraries

offer family story times and free play areas for a great way to get out of the house! Naperville Public Library has multiple locations with various family events throughout the year.

Indoor Playgrounds

in your community give your children a chance to let loose and run in a space that is made for it. This is much better than running circles around your kitchen island! Check out Kiddy Club and The Naperville Yard.

Basement Time

If your home has a basement conducive to active play, set up obstacles courses and time your children as they go through them over and over and over.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Bath Time

Shift your bath to the daytime hours for an unexpected opportunity for water play. Added bonus–bring all of your plastic toys in the tub and have your babe wash them for you. Fun for them and one task off your plate!

How cold is it?

Bundle up and venture outside Downtown Naperville. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes the fresh air will do everyone good!

Nixon GM et al. Falling asleep: the determinants of sleep latency. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2009;94:686-689.

Wheaton AG, Jones SE, Cooper AC, Croft JB. Short Sleep Duration Among Middle School and High School Students — United States