Sleep Hygiene for Kids 

Sleep is an essential factor for both kids and adults. It aids brain performance, improves overall health, and keeps you in a good mood. When your little one enjoys well-timed and sufficient sleep, they wake up happy! However, to achieve this, it is essential to maintain a certain level of sleep hygiene for kids. Right from bedtime routines to curating comfortable sleep environments, we bring you all the information right ahead. 

What Is Sleep Hygiene? 

Sleep hygiene refers to all the good habits one must inculcate to enhance sleep quality and to fall asleep faster. The daytime activities and the nighttime routine plays a vital role here. Developing good sleep hygiene in your little one can make it easier for them to settle to sleep and enjoy undisturbed sleep.

Why is sleep hygiene important for kids 

Sleep hygiene is essential for kids because sleep is indispensable to a healthy routine. In fact, studies show that kids who enjoy a good amount of sleep show improved attention, learning, behaviour, and memory. It also aids their overall mental and physical health. Therefore, learning and maintaining sleep hygiene tips for kids is integral. 

How do you teach sleep hygiene? 

A sleep hygiene teaching plan for kids includes the following tips;

• Start slow because kids need time to learn things compared to adults, and time makes it easier for them to adapt to new habits. 
• Be consistent with the routine, so it soon becomes a habit. 
• Kids learn from observing, so be a role model and ensure you practice what you preach. 
• Always have set ground rules for your child, such as fixed hours for playtime, study, and more. 

Sleep Hygiene for Kids 

Look at all the good sleep habits to aid sleep hygiene in your kids. Remember, children between the ages of 3-5 need 10-13 hours of sleep every night, whereas children between the ages of 6-13 need 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Therefore, following the below-mentioned sleep hygiene tips can help your kid enjoy high-quality sleep.

Consistency

Consistency is the first step to good sleep hygiene. When your child sleeps and wakes up at the same time, they can sleep better. It is important to stick to the same time even during the weekends. 

Bedtime regularity

Have a bedtime routine, such as brushing teeth, putting on pyjamas, bath, story, and more. It will create a sense of comfort in children, making it easier for them to fall asleep. A proper bedtime routine also helps your child unwind and relax. 

Associate the bed with sleep

A bed is only for sleep. Therefore, ensure your child doesn’t spend too much time in bed for other non-sleep activities, such as studies or homework. It will stop children from associating the bed with sleep.

Relaxation techniques

How to go to sleep fast? Relaxation techniques can help. So, if your child cannot fall asleep easily, you can opt for relaxation methods, such as visualization, meditation, or listening to soothing music. 

Maintain the right sort of environment

In order to fall asleep easily and quickly, you must ensure that the room’s environment is optimal. This includes adjusting the room’s temperature, switching off the lights, etc. 

Clock visibility

Make sure the clock is not placed in the line of sight, as it can be detrimental to sleep as this creates anxiety.

Avoid highly stimulating activities before bed

Ensure your kids avoid highly stimulating activities, such as video games, and exercise just before sleep. In fact, it is also essential to prevent the use of electronic devices at least an hour before bed, as the blue lights it emits can disrupt sleep. 

Security objects

If your child sleeps alone, you can help them sleep with their favourite soft toys or blankets, as this can add a feeling of security. 

Exercise during the day

Exercising during the day can positively affect overall health and help your child sleep well at night. 

Bedtime delay

Sometimes, when your child doesn’t appear tired, you can delay bedtime by 30 minutes. However, make sure you stick to the regular bedtime after that.

Maintain a sleep diary

Maintain a sleep diary where you will track your child’s sleep times and activities before bed. This will help you understand what works and what doesn’t. 

Tossing and turning

If your child is tossing and turning in bed, then take about 20 minutes to perform a relaxing activity, such as reading a story. 

Schedule worry time

Sometimes, there are a few children who tend to worry before bed. If that’s the case, make sure you do something fun before bedtime. You can also share any fears or concerns they may be feeling and talk about them. 

Avoid sleeping elsewhere

Children can easily fall asleep anywhere. Even when you look back as a kid, there might have been times when you fell asleep on the couch, or the car, and your parents would carry you to bed. However, encourage your kid to go to bed even when they are drowsy. 

Brief checks

When you check on your child, do it slowly and without disturbing them. 

Getting the Bedroom Ready for Kids 

Now, let’s take a look at how to get the bedroom ready for kids to ensure they maintain sleep hygiene. 

Room Temperature

For a good night’s rest, optimal room temperature is essential. It is said that between 68 to 72 degrees is the best temperature for sleep. 

Noise

A noise-free environment is ideal for sleep. If any sound is disturbing your child, you can use white noise devices too.

Light Level

A dark room is the best for sleeping. However, if too much light streams inside the kid’s room, you can invest in thick curtains. 

Soothing smells

Aromatherapy can be used for children over the age of five as it helps them relax. Effective oils for sleep are lavender, ginger, peppermint, and orange. 

When To See the Doctor

You must visit a healthcare provider if your child shows the following signs.

• Snoring 
• Taking pauses during breathing 
• Unable to fall asleep easily 
• Unable to enjoy undisturbed sleep 
• Decreased daytime sleepiness and performance 
• Sleepwalking or nightmare 
• Teeth grinding 
• Bedwetting 
• Restless sleep

Sleep hygiene is essential for your kid’s overall well-being. Practising the above-mentioned tips will help your child enjoy quality uninterrupted slumber.