As a parent, you constantly
worry about your children. Whether or not your children sleep enough
(or too much) can also be a common concern for parents. Often children
of all ages don’t complain about the symptoms of sleep disorders
or disturbances, so it is up to you to create a bedtime routine
with your children at a young age to promote and teach healthy sleeping
habits.
There are several steps you can take to instill positive sleep hygiene
in your children that they will carry with them into adulthood:
Everyone, even children, require different
levels of sleep. Determine how much rest all members of the
family need and build routines around them.
Recognize sleep problems early. Most children
sleep disorders can be easily treated, but the longer they persist
the more likely they are to become part of an unhealthy sleeping
pattern. Nightmares/night terrors, bedwetting, heavy breathing
or snoring, refusal to sleep in their own bed or room, difficulty
falling asleep, or resisting bedtime entirely are all possible
signs of treatable sleep problems.
Create a consistent routine. Making a bedtime
routine and being consistent with it can take away the stress
and anxiety some children feel at bedtime. They help your children
learn to become sleepy at bedtime and can create a special bonding
experience for you and your kids.
Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time and
stick to it. Even on weekends when possible, especially if your
child is very young (infant to age 5).
Dark, quiet rooms can help children sleep
better. If your child doesn’t like totally dark rooms,
nightlights can be used or try cracking the door and leaving
the hall light on.
These are just a few tips that can be used
to help your children sleep more soundly in their own beds. Contact
VÄXA today for more information on children sleep remedies
and other natural sleep aids that can help you and your whole family
get a good night’s rest.
