The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is calling on parents, educators, health care professionals and policymakers to prioritize children’s sleep. In line with the presidential administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, the AASM emphasizes that healthy sleep is essential for children’s development, well-being and long-term health.
Why sleep matters for kids
Sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental health. It helps their bodies grow, strengthens the immune system and supports brain development. When children sleep, their brains process what they learned during the day, helping them retain information and build new skills. Sleep also supports emotional regulation, helping kids handle stress, frustration and social interactions more effectively.
Without enough sleep, kids may face serious challenges. According to an AASM survey, parents reported that poor sleep affected their children’s mood (58%), attitude (49%), behavior (49%), physical energy (44%) and academic performance (30%). Over time, sleep deprivation can contribute to obesity, depression and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Sleep also offers a natural way to support children’s health without relying on medication. It improves focus, emotional stability and physical energy — all key factors for success in school and life.
“Making sleep health a priority is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support the next generation,” said Dr. Eric Olson, president of the AASM. “Sleep can impact every aspect of a child’s well-being — physical growth, mental resilience, learning ability and even long-term disease prevention. By investing in sleep research and education, we can make a meaningful, lasting impact on our nation’s children.”
Make America Healthy Again Commission
Chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Make America Healthy Again Commission is developing recommendations for President Trump on how to address chronic diseases in children.
The Healthy People 2030 initiative of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is one example of how the federal government is already emphasizing the importance of sleep for health, productivity, well-being, quality of life and safety. Its sleep health objectives include increasing the number of children and teens who get enough sleep.
The need for more sleep research
Advancing research in sleep science is vital for understanding and preventing health conditions that begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. Scientific studies link poor sleep in children to long-term health issues, including chronic diseases, weakened immune function and mental health challenges. More funding for pediatric sleep research is essential to allow scientists to develop evidence-based strategies to improve kids’ sleep habits and prevent these problems before they start.
The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, established by Congress in 1993, plays a vital role in advancing sleep science. Increased funding for the center would drive new studies on how sleep affects children’s growth, learning and well-being. This research could lead to better strategies and interventions to improve children’s sleep health at a national level.
“By supporting policies that promote healthy sleep and funding research to better understand its impact, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing disease and improving the well-being of everyone — especially our children,” said Dr. Olson. “Prioritizing sleep health is a vital part of the broader mission to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ by addressing one of the most fundamental yet often overlooked aspects of our health.”
Learn more about the importance of sleep at sleepisgoodmedicine.com.
If you have an ongoing sleep problem, use the AASM’s sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center.
