4 Ways to Get Your Child to Sleep Better -

Sleep is critical to your children’s health. Kids who get poor sleep are at a higher risk for several diseases, and they don’t function as well during the day. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your kids sleep well at night. Take a look at these four things you can do to aid your child’s sleep patterns.

Ensure Your Child’s Bedroom Is Dark

Light can decrease the quality of your child’s sleep. If your child’s room has too much light coming through the windows or from the hallway, the light levels can cause your child to wake up during the night. Frequent awakenings keep your child from getting the deep sleep essential for growth and development.

To block out exterior light, hang dark drapes and make sure there is minimal light in your child’s bedroom to encourage a healthy circadian rhythm. Also, rethink using a nightlight, since complete darkness provides the best environment for sleep.

Adjust the Temperature of Your Home at Night

Some kids have a hard time falling asleep because their bedrooms are too warm. You should adjust the temperature in your home at night to promote an optimal sleep environment for everyone. In general, people sleep better when the room is between 65 and 70 degrees.

If you’re having trouble making your home’s sleeping areas more comfortable, try some easy yet inexpensive ways to cool down your home. Try adding a ceiling fan to your child’s bedroom to lower the temperature and help with air circulation. Depending on the season, a humidifier or a dehumidifier can also be beneficial for your child’s sleep.

Implement a Bedtime Routine

Children need nine to 12 hours of sleep per night. You can ensure this is what your child gets by creating a standard bedtime routine and following it every night. Include common things such as baths, stories, and songs, or do whatever works best for your family. Some parents also report that a bedtime snack can prevent night awakenings caused by hunger.

As your children get older, their bedtime routine should adapt based on their sleep needs. Try to avoid allowing them to sleep in on the weekends, because this makes it harder to fall asleep at a reasonable time on weeknights.

Remove Technology From Your Child’s Bedroom

Did you know that electrical fields can interrupt your child’s sleep? Appliances and electronics emit an electrical field even when the devices aren’t in use. This electrical field prevents the secretion of melatonin, an essential chemical for inducing sleep and preventing diseases, such as cancer. You should remove all technology from your child’s bedroom to avoid sleep disruption. At the very least, you should ensure that there are no electronics, including an alarm clock, within three feet of your child’s bed.

As a parent, it’s your job to ensure that your children get enough sleep at night. After all, sleep affects their performance in school and their overall health. Do you have any other ideas for helping kids get more sleep at night? Leave a comment below to share your advice.