New Delhi: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) held a key committee meeting this week. Members discussed an important issue—the need for adequate sleep among children, teenagers, and adults.
The session included educators, child development experts, and committee members sharing their observations and concerns based on their experiences in daily life, schools, and the changing lifestyles of today’s youth.
The meeting began with a crucial reminder: sleep deprivation is becoming more common among young people. This is largely due to excessive phone use and late-night screen time. Members noted that many children stay awake until midnight or later. This often leads to chronic fatigue, missed morning routines, and problems with school performance.
One member said, “Nowadays youngsters are sleeping at very odd hours, sometimes at 2 or 3 AM, and waking up late morning. This routine harms not just physical health but mental well-being too.”
Speakers highlighted the essential role of parents in managing children’s sleep routines. As phones and online classes are now part of their lives, unsupervised use has caused many children to develop irregular sleep habits.
A committee member emphasized, “Parents must ensure that children follow a set schedule for studying, sleeping, and using devices. Even if parents are busy, monitoring sleep habits must be a priority.”
Concerns were also raised about more children sleeping in separate rooms, making it easier for them to misuse gadgets.
Experts at the meeting pointed out the broad effects of not getting enough sleep: Hormonal imbalances, Reduced immunity, Emotional instability, Lack of focus and increased irritability, Higher stress levels and Long-term health issues.
One speaker explained that sleep is vital for children’s growth, brain development, and memory. They noted that many important developmental processes take place during sleep.
The committee also talked about promoting healthy sleep awareness in classrooms. Short nap times in preschools received praise, with suggestions to extend similar rest periods, if possible, for older children during long school days.
Teachers were encouraged to remind students about the benefits of going to bed early and waking up early. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise,” one member reiterated, showing that this saying is still relevant today.
In addition to sleep routines, members stressed the importance of diet and healthy habits: Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, Keeping regular meal times, Doing physical exercise, Reducing stress, and Maintaining a consistent sleep–wake schedule. Sleep, they noted, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, supports hormone balance, and promotes overall well-being.
The NCDC concluded that encouraging healthy sleep habits is not just up to parents or schools but a shared duty involving families, teachers, and the community. The committee committed to developing awareness programs and educational materials to help children and parents create better sleep routines.
