Is My Child Getting Enough Sleep!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

 

Let’s face it, in today’s world, is anyone getting enough sleep?

So many of us adults have trouble sleeping, and it’s not any different for our children.

There are many reasons that contribute to the lack of sleep in children. Ranging from those fun high-tech gadgets that emits a blue light, or the fact that children are not playing outside with friends as much to burn off all their energy.

Some also may say the rise in ADHD, Autism and Anxiety plays a part as well. Anyone that has a child with any of the 3 will most likely agree. As a mother with a child that has ADHD, OCD and Tourette’s, I personally know the pain of trying to get my child to sleep.

 

The chart below will give you a guideline for how much sleep your children need.

 

As parents, we ask ourselves “How can we help our precious little ones get more sleep and better-quality sleep?”

Limit sugar in your children as much as possible, especially 2 hours before bed. Sugar is not good for anyone, especially high fructose.

I also limit video games, phones, and tablets 2 hours before bed, the blue light messes with your natural melatonin, and video games can over stimulate them as well.

 

ROUTINE

Routine is very important. Start off with a set bedtime. Have them do their nightly chores, such as showering or taking a bath.  Next, have them brush their teeth. To help my son transition during this time, I let him pick out his pajamas and pick out his special “Stuffy” (stuffed animal) for the night.

We also lay down early, leaving enough time to cuddle and read a story, or take turns telling a story. The last thing in my son’s routine, is listening to Children’s guided mediation stories. I highly recommend them to anyone that has a child that has a rough time falling asleep. It has made a huge difference in my child’s ability to relax and fall asleep.

 

KEEP THE ROOM DARK

Make sure the bedroom is dark and cozy; it helps the body realize it’s night and will start making melatonin. We always crack the window – people tend to get a better night sleep when the temperature is cooler.

 

STILL HAVE TROUBLE

If you still feel your child is having major trouble sleeping, I recommend talking to the doctor about checking your child’s minerals and vitamin levels. There are many other things we may not realize that can contribute to our children’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lori Piwok

Mom

Pediatric ninja specialist