Mega Doctor News
Sleep plays a vital role in a child’s development, serving as a crucial period for physical growth, brain maturation and emotional regulation.
Quality sleep supports memory consolidation, strengthens the immune system and has a direct impact on learning, behavior and attention span.
“A good night’s sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have to support a child’s growth and wellbeing,” says Santos Cantu, MD, a pediatrician who serves at the medical director of the South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s emergency department. “It gives children the strength to learn, explore and manage their emotions. It’s one of the simplest and most essential ways we can set them up for success.”
How much sleep kids need really depends on their age. Toddlers may need anywhere from 12 to 16 hours, while teenagers typically do best with about 8 to 10 hours each night.
Unfortunately, nearly half of all U.S. children don’t consistently get the recommended amount of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation, and only 14% of elementary-aged kids meet national guidelines.
Over time, inadequate sleep can negatively impact a child’s mental health, behavior and academic performance. It can also affect physical health, contributing to a higher risk of obesity, a weakened immune system and daytime fatigue.
“Poor sleep doesn’t just make kids tired the next day; it can have lasting consequences on their longterm health,” says Dr. Cantu. “When children consistently miss out on quality sleep, the effects can follow them well into adulthood.”
To help parents and caregivers better understand the importance of healthy sleep habits in children, STHS Children’s will focus its upcoming Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar on this essential topic.
Broadcast live via the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature a healthcare professional who will guide families through the essentials of healthy sleep, including how to recognize signs of poor sleep quality, how to build routines that work even in busy households and when to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Sleep Health” |
| When: | Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages |
Information Source; South Texas Health System
