MANILA, Philippines - Lack of adequate sleep is becoming common among adults, but a proper and fitful sleep should never be sacrificed, especially when it comes to babies and young children.

Studies have shown that proper sleep can boost a child's mental and physical growth 3 times more than children who lack adequate sleep during the crucial period of 3 to 6 months after birth.

Proper sleep also helps the body repair cells and tissues throughout a person's life.

Sleeping patterns vary by age but Dr. Luis Rivera of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine said there are common sleeping principles for various age groups.

"The environment should be dark or dim and quiet, the room temperature should not be too cold or too hot. There are many factors, but essentially, you have to control the environment and you should tone down activities around the room," Rivera said during a workshop held on Saturday (January 30).

Winding down

"The baby or child should be well-fed, not soiled. You try to make them as comfortable as possible," Rivera said. The same idea of limiting stressors before bedtime applies to adults.

"You minimize stimulant intake like coffee, tea, iced tea, or cigarettes. For older children and adults, lessen computer time. Your mind is still so active. So essentially, it's winding down particular activities for that age--computer, sports, work, TV--once you're hitting the time for sleep," Rivera said.

At an early age, prepare your child for a deep and restful sleep every day by repeating a special bedtime routine.

Adults can also follow this pattern for a fitful sleep, like taking a soothing bath or doing self-massage before bed. Report by Kristine Servando, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.