There’s nothing strange about seeing a young infant rugged up fast asleep in a pram or baby pouch while out with their parents but did you know that in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, it’s also normal for children attending early childhood services to have their naps outside – even in winter?
Our Inspired Possums enjoyed a morning nap outside in our shaded environment and we can assure you, they had the best sleep of the day!
Here are just a few reasons why:
- Natural light exposure: This resets the body clock and adjusts with circadian rhythms, and you produce more melatonin for a more restful sleep, unlike artificial light which interferes with sleep quality.
- Better functioning of body and brain: Higher quality oxygen will improve functioning of the brain and body for better productivity, mobility, recovery and more. Whereas stale inside air laden with carbon dioxide can lead to lethargy and slower metabolism.
- Reduced stress: Just seeing trees has been proven to reduce stress levels, as has listening to the sounds of nature and the outdoors.
This all sounds amazing, but not surprisingly there are even more benefits for young children.
- Reduced illness: Air conditioning spreads germs and dries up children’s sinuses, leading them open to infection.
- Improved learning: As children sleep longer, deeper and more serenely when outside, they’re more refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to learn when they wake. Their cognitive attentiveness, alertness and awareness is higher compared to napping indoors.
We would love to hear your thoughts. Would you like to see the opportunity for our children at Inspired to sleep in the great outdoors more often?
