As parents, it’s only natural that we want our children to have the best start in life. To ensure they wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy, it’s crucial that they’re getting enough sleep each night. If your kids are struggling to drift off and aren’t focusing at school, this is a cause for concern that needs to be nipped in the bud immediately. Here are 5 tips for children on how to sleep better, helping them to feel energized and ready for the day ahead.
Set a Bedtime Routine
Getting your child into a regular bedtime routine can encourage good sleeping patterns. Children need boundaries (no matter how well behaved they are!), so getting them into the habit of having a bath, story, and bed can help prepare them for sleep. If your children are older, why not include a quiet chat before they hit the hay as this can help them feel more relaxed and ready for bed before turning the lights out.
Relax Before Bedtime
Make sure that you encourage your kids to relax before going to sleep. Older children may like to wind down by listening to soothing music, reading a book, or practicing relaxation breathing techniques. If your kids are taking longer than 30 minutes to drift off, they may need a bit more winding-down time before you turn the lights out.
Make Them Feel Safe
We’ve all been kids once, so for many of us, the fear of a monster lurking beneath the mattress may have prevented us from getting to sleep. If your child feels nervous or scared about going to sleep or being in the dark, make sure that you’re on hand to provide comfort and love. Praising them for when they’re brave can make all the difference and help them feel more relaxed in bed. There are other things that you can do, such as making sure they avoid scary TV shows before bedtime.
Follow a Balanced Diet
As the saying goes, we are what we eat. If you aren’t providing your child with a healthy, balanced diet, this could have a huge impact on the quality of sleep they’re getting. It’s also important that your child has their evening meal at a reasonable time, reducing the risk of them feeling hungry or too full before going to sleep. Once they wake up in the morning, make sure that you provide them with a healthy breakfast packed with vitamins, nutrients, and protein to kick-start their body clock at the right time.
Invest in Sensory Sheets
Whilst you may already have a great mattress, quilt, and pillows for your child, more and more parents are investing in sensory bed sheets for their kids, which can help promote better sleep and be a huge stress relief too.
If your child has any worries or concerns that are preventing them from getting enough sleep, it’s important that you’re there to listen to their thoughts and feelings. Make sure to take the tips listed above on board as they may be able to help your kids get some much-needed shuteye.
