Healthy Sleep Tips for Kids

Sleep is one of the most important requirements for proper functioning of the body. But issues with the amount of sleep may not just hit you in adulthood, these problems may be faced by kids as well. Adequate amount of sleep not only ensures a rested mind but also helps your kid stay active the entire day.

As per statistics, getting enough amount of sleep forms an important factor for overall brain development of your child. When your kids face sleeping issues, you are bound to get limited amount of sleep as well.

So, in order to improve both yours and your kids sleeping, here are 10 healthy sleep tips for kids that you must consider.

Set a bed time in advance

Your kid maybe an early riser or a night owl, however in both these cases they will require 9 to 11 hours of sleep. Setting a bed time in advance that is specific to your kid’s body clock will help them fall asleep faster. Religiously follow this sleep timing for at least a week to ensure that your kid develops a strong association with it.

Make use of a fun alarm clock

Waking up to an exciting music or alarm tone can be one of the motivating factors for your kids. Make sure to use a fun alarm clock that makes your kid sleep on time with the hope of waking up with a cool tone. These alarm clocks act as the perfect companion and make sleeping and waking up in the morning, a delightful experience.

Create a routine

Routines can go a long way in setting good and promising habits.

Set a routine for your kid that is not just specific to sleeping on time but involves multiple activities before that. It is important that your child maintains healthy sleep hygiene routine.

For example, you can include brushing teeth, or praying as activities that are a part of the routine before hitting the bed.

Keep your kid away from screens

In today’s day and age when the parents get busy to take care of their kids. One of the easiest distractions is the use of a mobile phone or television. However, excessive screen usage has multiple issues associated with it.

And primarily, screen time before hitting the bed affects the sleep cycle. Kids face difficulty in dissociating themselves with the content that was consumed by them.

Hence, it is important to keep your kids away from any screen usage for at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Make sleeping a rewarding activity

As a kid, the energy levels are a lot more, in comparison to adults. This energy needs to be utilized in the day time, so that the body feels tired enough to fall asleep in the night. Make sleeping a rewarding activity, where you promise small rewards in return for sleeping.

Prepare the bed and the room 

One of the most important factors that determine good sleep is the atmosphere in the bedroom. This, with the added comfort level determines quality sleep for your kid. Adjust the lighting to the point that is comforting and relaxing.

Keep your own mobile phone away so that there are limited restrictions around your kid, and the focus can then be around sleeping only.

Manage the temperature

Depending on the country you are living in, you will need to adjust the temperature. Make sure the room is not too cold or too hot, so that your kid is comfortable in the environment, to sleep.

Help remove fears

Darkness is something your kid may associate with negatively. And this could be one of the primary reasons to not sleep well, because of the fear associated with darkness.

So make your child comfortable around darkness, and eliminate any other fears generated in the mind of your kid.

Practice breathing exercises

When the focus is solely on sleeping, your kid might get pressurized in some way. Instead, look for comforting alternatives that may eventually lead to sleeping.

For example, practice some sleep breathing exercises and focus on those instead of solely focusing on sleep. These exercises will eventually lead to better sleep anyway, but with the focus being diverted, your kid will be more at ease.

Consult a doctor

While the tips mentioned above may work very well for your kid, it is important to note that there may be a bigger underlying issue. Even after trying any of the tips mentioned above, if your kid still fails to fall asleep, you must consult a doctor.

Sleeping disorders are not uncommon in kids and can be diagnosed at an early age with the right medical attention.

Conclusion:

Sleep acts as an important parameter to determine the health of your kids. This is because regular adequate sleep can induce better attentiveness and behavior.

Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to get better healthy sleep cycles for your kids. Hope you found these sleep tips for kids useful. Please leave your thoughts in the comments.