Children who get enough physical activity during the day fall asleep faster in the evening and sleep more soundly through the night. This is evident from an interview by Wickey [https://shorturl.at/A8OVH] with Nathalie Schittekatte, certified baby and child sleep coach at Snuggles & Dreams. According to Schittekatte, outdoor play in particular plays a major role in children’s sleep quality and, consequently, the wellbeing of the entire family.

Physical activity creates natural sleep pressure

According to Schittekatte, physical activity is essential for a good night’s sleep. “When children are active, they expend energy, which increases the need for sleep. Movement, especially in combination with daylight, helps regulate the biological rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep.”

In addition, physiological processes also play a role. During physical activity, the body uses energy and releases substances such as endorphins and serotonin, the sleep expert explains. “These contribute to relaxation and a positive feeling. Body temperature also rises during activity and drops again afterward, which serves as a natural signal for the body to unwind.”

Outdoor play often proves even more effective than indoor activities. “Playing outside often has an additional positive effect, mainly because of exposure to daylight. This helps regulate children’s biological clocks more effectively. Moreover, outdoor play is usually more active and varied, allowing children to release their energy more efficiently,” says Schittekatte.

The environment itself also plays a role. Indoors, noise, clutter, and obligations can unconsciously overstimulate children, whereas many of these stimuli disappear outdoors. Children have more space to move freely and clear their minds, which can help them fall asleep more calmly in the evening.

Movement as a natural part of the day

To benefit from these advantages, consistency is important. For young children, it is recommended that they engage in several hours of activity spread throughout the day, Schittekatte explains. For older children, a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day applies. “More important than the exact number of minutes is that movement becomes a natural part of the day, for example through free play and outdoor activities,” emphasizes the child sleep coach.

The whole family benefits from good sleep

The impact of sufficient exercise and good sleep is not limited to nighttime alone, but also affects the daily functioning of the entire family. The benefits therefore extend beyond the child.

According to Schittekatte, quality sleep offers major advantages for parents and the family as a whole. “When children sleep well, they are more balanced and less irritable during the day, which creates a calmer atmosphere at home. At the same time, parents benefit as well: more rest at night improves their energy, patience, and overall wellbeing,” says the sleep coach.

This highlights that the importance of an active day is reflected not only in better nights for children, but also in greater calm, balance, and energy within the family.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

NOTES:

About Wickey: Wickey is an international manufacturer and supplier of wooden outdoor play equipment, such as climbing towers, swings, and playhouses. With more than 25 years of experience, the company has grown into one of the largest players in Europe, with over one million customers and play equipment in more than 500,000 gardens. Wickey develops and produces its products in-house, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and play value. Through its play equipment, Wickey aims to encourage children to play actively outdoors and to stimulate their creativity and development.

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