Apr 26 2009
How to get Children to Sleep at Night
Sleep problems in children are often very different from the sleep troubles that plague grownups. Reports have established that children who do not get adequate sleep at night will often nod off in class, will not have the energy to exercise and will experience feelings of depression. Nightmares, bedwetting and sleepwalking are common symptoms of sleep problems in children, so parents should know how to tackle these issues. If you are concerned about your youngsters sleeping habits, then read on for some valuable advice on getting them into a sleep schedule that will improve their quality of life.
New parents are often really worried about how much sleep their infant is having. Newborns have irregular sleep cycles and sleep an average of sixteen to seventeen hours per day. However, they may only sleep one or two hours at a time. As babies progress, the total number of hours they need for sleep lessens. A pre-school child might still want to sleep ten to twelve hours in every twenty four, whereas a school age child sleeps about ten hours each day. It is important to remember that each child’s sleeping pattern will be different.
Studies have indicated that, as many as thirty seven percent of all youngsters suffer some sort of major sleep issues including disrupted sleep, nightmares, sleepwalking and unwillingness to go to sleep. Dealing with bedwetting - Nocturnal Enuresis, is an additional problem in older children. The culmination of these issues can be the trigger of attention and behavior problems as well as attention deficit hyperactive disorder or ADHD in some school age children. If your child has difficulty getting off to sleep, it is important for you, as a parent, to work out if the cause may be the result or side effect of any ADHD medication he or she may be taking.
Children can protest their bedtime for various reasons. Nonetheless, establishing consistent bedtime rituals can serve to avert sleep problems in children. This can include bathing, teeth brushing, story reading or saying prayers. This down time should be restful. If your youngster suffers from nightmares or night terrors, then lay with them in their bed until they drift off. Never take them to your own bed, because doing so will not encourage them to feel safe and comfy in their own room. It also helps if you talk with your little one about why do we need to sleep. Tell them that sleep will help them to have more vitality to play and grow up strong. This gives them an incentive to sleep more.
Kids learn from example, so stick to a regular sleep ritual yourself. If your child’s symptoms persist, then consider seeing a sleep specialist. On occasions sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or several other anxiety disorders. However, bear in mind that every child is different. If they are lively and active during the day, then do not worry if they are experiencing periodic sleepless nights.
