Heat cuts short children’s naps at Odense daycare

Children at Skt. Klemens Private Børnehave & Vuggestue in southern Odense are sleeping only a fraction of their usual time due to the heat, according to a report by DR.

Institution leader Majbrit Hindsgavl said children who normally nap for two and a half hours are now sleeping for just 30 to 45 minutes—if at all. The lack of rest makes them irritable and quick to frustration, she added.

Parents are also noticing the effect at home. Martin Secher, whose child attends the daycare, said naps that once lasted up to three hours are now cut to 30 minutes. To cope, he uses ice and a paddling pool to cool his children down.

Staff at the daycare have tried opening windows, lowering blinds, and using fans, but with children already napping outdoors in shaded prams, options are limited.