Sometimes, it gets extremely difficult for parents to get their children to sleep. I am sure all parents have faced this problem at some time. Children running around the house, refusing to go to bed…
That is quite common. In fact, it can happen every time guests come over. But it becomes a problem when sleeplessness becomes your child’s daily habit.
Due to the lack of sleep, your child may be cranky all day, producing below average results at school. But most importantly, chronic sleeplessness can get your child sick. It is in such times that you have to take control and make necessary changes to restore sleep balance in your child’s life.
But how do you go about it…?
Before anything, it is important to know the reason behind your child’s insomnia. Based on that, necessary actions can be taken. Though there are multiple factors which contribute to sleeplessness among children, these are a few very important ones:
Overuse of Electronic Devices:
Mobile phones, tablets, video games are as common as stones and pebbles these days. Most people own any one or all of these devices. Surprisingly, children too have full access to these gadgets. Nowadays, one can rarely see a child playing outdoors. All of their activities have become confined indoors, specifically locked in a 7-inch screen!
Be it football, baseball, painting, strategy, children are doing it all via mobile phones and video games. The popularity of these games are enormous and children stay glued to them.
Their games continue well into the night and deter them from falling asleep. As known, the blue light from the screen, and the excitement from these games are strong enough to render children sleepless. Read here more on how technology affects sleep.
Abrupt Transition to Bedtime:
Have you ever seen someone talking in one minute and then falling fast asleep in the next? Of course not! One transcends to a sleep stage from a state of wakefulness. This transition period is very crucial for children, especially the school going toddlers.
Children find it extremely difficult to sleep right away after they go to bed. So if as a parent you are trying to get your child to sleep instantly, it might not happen.
The best way to get your child to sleep is by setting a bedtime regime. Brushing teeth, changing into nightwear, reading stories all signal bedtime and gradually helps the child to transcend to sleep.
Inconsistent Bedtime Schedule:
This is yet another problem that deters children from falling asleep. Some parents get their child to sleep at one particular time one day and then set a very different bedtime for the next day.
As parents, you must understand that children’s system function in a manner different from the adult’s. Children have to be conditioned in a particular way. So if you are facing a problem with your child’s sleeplessness at night, keep a check on the consistency of the bedtime routine.
Set one particular time for sleeping. Do not make changes in it for school nights and holidays. Inconsistency in bedtime render children tired and worn out the next day. Since they cannot make up for their lack of sleep, they may remain lazy and cranky the following day.
Lack of A Good Mattress:
It is impossible for your child to fall asleep if the mattress is stiff and uncomfortable. Ideally, your child’s mattress must be able to support his/her body weight. If it’s too uncomfortable and stiff, sleeping on it can be a hassle. Additionally, your child may wake up having a neck sprain hampering his/her activity throughout the next day. Here you can look for best mattresses for kids.
Sleep is very important for children. Without proper sleep, children can become cranky and unproductive. Ensure good sleep for your child, keep him/her happy.