Why doesn’t Society Recognize the Importance of Naps?
Why Your Toddler’s Brain Needs Rest to Be Their Best
It’s no secret that naps are essential for babies. But what I want to bring attention to is the importance of naps for preschool age children and even young, school-age children as well.
Naps help our little ones regulate emotions, retain new information, and consolidate memories. But somewhere along the way, we started to undervalue naps—pushing children to give them up at younger and younger ages. This shift is partly due to changes in our educational system and the desire to maximize learning time, especially in preschool and kindergarten. Once upon a time, most kindergartens either offered half-day programs that allowed for naps or set aside time specifically for resting. Today, it’s more common for 5-year-olds to attend full-day programs with no nap time at all. Some preschools and Pre-K classes even skip naps altogether, as well.
But the science tells us something different: Naps are more than just a midday break. They are vital to brain development and emotional health, especially for children under 5, who still rely heavily on naps to recharge their minds and bodies. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, it’s worth asking: Why are we so eager to rush our little ones out of nap time when their brains and bodies clearly need it?
The Importance of Naps and the Biology Behind Them
Research on early brain development shows that young children’s brains are still maturing, especially the hippocampus—a part of the brain that plays a big role in forming memories and managing emotions. In fact, studies have found that children who nap regularly have an easier time consolidating learning and memory, while those who don’t nap as often show signs of increased emotional dysregulation. Without naps, little ones struggle to retain new information and are prone to mood swings and outbursts simply because their brains haven’t had a chance to recharge.
The hippocampus, often called the brain’s “memory center,” is essential for storing new information, processing emotions, and managing behavior. In young children, the hippocampus is still maturing, making it more difficult for them to last an entire day without sleep. Sleep researchers have found that naps serve as a “filing system” for the brain, allowing it to store new experiences and insights from the day and then organize them during sleep. When we skip this opportunity for consolidation, children miss out on valuable learning—and their little brains become overstimulated and more prone to emotional outbursts. As adults, we know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep or a quick power nap. Now imagine how much more powerful that feeling becomes for a toddler with an already overstimulated brain.
Naps Help with Emotional Regulation
For young children, naps aren’t just about learning—they’re also essential for emotional regulation. When little ones get overtired, they’re more likely to experience meltdowns, tantrums, and emotional outbursts. This isn’t because they’re being “difficult” or “naughty”—it’s their biology at work. Without a nap, their brains simply lack the resources to handle everyday challenges, big or small. Emotional outbursts aren’t a sign of poor behavior; they’re a sign of a young brain that is simply maxed out. Naps give children the chance to recharge and refuel, restoring their ability to stay calm and respond to the world around them.
Adults Need Naps, Too—So Why Should Toddlers Be Any Different?
In some cultures, naps are held in high regard for people of all ages. Spain, Italy, and many Latin American countries still embrace the siesta or riposo culture, with many adults and children alike resting during the afternoon. In Japan, some companies and some cafes have installed upright nap pods to encourage the working class to take a break and nap. In these societies, napping isn’t a sign of laziness; it’s a recognized and valued part of the daily routine. These cultures understand the importance of naps. Similarly, many high-performing individuals, from professional athletes to scientists, incorporate napping into their routines to enhance focus, recovery, and productivity. Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and even some elite sports teams recognize the benefits of short naps to improve performance and cognitive function.
In the United States, however, the culture is different—we tend to see napping as a weakness or as a luxury that’s difficult to fit into a busy schedule. The idea that being constantly busy equates to success has led many to overlook the power of rest. In another one of my blog posts, I go into more detail about why we should move away from this thinking as adults. And, especially, our kids deserve better than that. If we can acknowledge the value of naps for top performers in sports, science, and business, why wouldn’t we prioritize naps for children whose brains are still growing and developing?
Why Are We in Such a Rush to Drop Naps?
It’s no surprise that many parents feel pressured to “wean” their children off naps early. In today’s fast-paced world, productivity is often prioritized over rest, and parents feel pressured to maximize every minute. Full-day kindergarten and increasingly structured preschool programs may seem beneficial on the surface, but they can lead to burnout in young children. The result? Children who are forced to drop naps before they’re ready often struggle with attention, behavior, and overall happiness. This push to squeeze every ounce of learning into the day isn’t actually helping kids learn better—in fact, it’s likely doing the opposite.
When children are exhausted, their brains simply aren’t functioning at full capacity. Instead of absorbing new information, they’re focused on getting through the day in survival mode. By prioritizing naps and allowing children to recharge, we’re giving them the tools they need to handle a day full of learning, socializing, and exploring.
The Science Backs It: Naps Improve Learning and Memory
Several studies have demonstrated the importance of naps as they directly contribute to improved cognitive function, emotional regulation, and memory retention in young children. One study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that preschoolers who napped performed better on memory tasks than those who didn’t. They were able to retain more information after a nap, underscoring the critical role that naps play in helping young children consolidate and retain new learning. The same study found that naps helped children regulate their emotions, making them more adaptable and less likely to experience stress and anxiety throughout the day.
So, What Can We Do as Parents and Advocates?
If you’re a parent wondering how to protect nap time in a world that seems eager to do away with it, know that you’re not alone. Here are some practical ways to advocate for the importance of naps:
- Speak Up at School: If your preschool or kindergarten doesn’t offer naps, consider speaking with teachers or administrators about the benefits of rest for young children. Share your concerns and back them up with research if necessary. Many educators genuinely want what’s best for the children in their care and may be open to making small changes.
- Protect Nap Time at Home: When possible, keep a consistent nap schedule for your little one, even if they’re attending a full-day program. Encourage quiet rest times, especially on weekends, to help them recharge after a busy week.
- Take your time with transitions: There’s no need to rush when phasing out naps .If your child still seems to need a nap, respect their needs and let them rest. Just because other children their age have given up naps doesn’t mean it’s the right time for your child.
- Prioritize Sleep in the Family: Naps aren’t just for toddlers—make rest a family value. By modeling the importance of downtime, quiet time, and sleep, you’re teaching your child to respect their body’s needs.
- Supplement with an Early Bedtime: If there is no possibility of your preschooler or kindergartener being able to take a nap during the school week, make sure you offer them an early bedtime. This will make sure they are benefiting from extra sleep, even if its not occurring mid-day.
A Final Thought
In a culture that celebrates busyness and productivity, let’s remember the importance of naps as well—especially for young children who are still developing. Let’s resist the urge to rush our little ones into giving up naps. Their brains need rest to grow, learn, and thrive. 💜🧸
