While the Winter Holidays brings excitement and fun for parents and their children, other factors can keep a family away from a good sleep and restorative night of rest.
For children, sleep is a vital part of their physical health and mental growth. Studies show lack of enough sleep has been linked to memory problems, obesity, behavioral problems, and depression in children. A child needs at least 8 hours of restful sleep at night; younger children may need up to 12 hours.
For adults, sleep lets us recharge mentally and physically. It is already known that restorative sleep in no less than 8hrs gives an adult a greater chance of being more productive, energetic and focused during the day. Sleep enables concentration levels and empowers adults to project a better attitude, be more committed to goals and have more harmonious relationships. Sleep also helps adults release whatever happened during the previous day.
When we don’t sleep or our sleep is interrupted throughout the night, we don’t release and reenergize. This is true for adults and children as well.
Here are five things you can do if your child is having trouble sleeping.
- Create bedtime routines for your children if they don’t already have them. Set regular times for going to bed and getting up. Parents need to work together on this and be consistent.
- Prepare your child’s room for sleep. Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for sleeping. Check that there are enough covers to keep your children warm throughout the night.
- Cut back on their stimulants during the day. What keeps children up at night? • Too much sugar and caffeine (sodas, energy drinks, tea, coffee)
- Too much TV
- If your kids have too many activities on their plate to relax, they’re probably too tired to enjoy all of them. It’s time to let them choose one or two. Let the others go so that your kids can have some much-needed downtime.
- Find out if your kids are having nightmares. If they are, discuss them and see if you can figure out why they’re happening. If they continue, consider a range of alternative therapies for your child.
Sleepsonic for Kids: A Great Gift Idea for The Holidays!
