Managing sleep disorders in children
Sleep disorders can be a source of stress for parents and children. Children may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Fortunately, there are ways to manage these sleep disorders and promote healthy, restful sleep.
Create a calm and safe environment
To help your child fall asleep and stay asleep, it is important to create a calm and safe environment. Turn off lights and electronic devices and try to reduce noise as much as possible. You can also add calming objects such as soft blankets, pillows or toys to help your child feel safe and fall asleep more easily.
Encourage a sleep routine
Encouraging your child to follow a sleep routine can help regulate their sleep. Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule and try to limit naps to no more than two hours per day. You can also add relaxing activities to the sleep routine, such as reading, listening to soft music, or bathing.
Limit consumption of caffeine and sugary products
Consumption of caffeine and sugary products can disrupt children's sleep. Avoid giving your child caffeinated drinks or sugary foods before bedtime and try to limit their intake of these products throughout the day.
Avoid screens before bed
Screens, such as phones, tablets and computers, can disrupt children's sleep. Try to limit screen use before bedtime and try not to let your child watch TV or use electronic devices in their bedroom.
Keep the bedroom dark and cool
Your child's bedroom should be dark and cool to promote restful sleep. Turn off lights and electronic devices and try to keep the room temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. You can also add blackout curtains to block light and fans to keep the room cool.
Talk to your doctor
If you have concerns about your child's sleep, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you find solutions to manage sleep problems and determine if your child needs medical treatment or additional help.
