Tips to Help Kids Get Better Sleep
By Sara Butler
When bedtime rolls around, kids become masters of stalling techniques. Suddenly they have all sorts of questions about the universe, life, and philosophy. But you see through all that and tell them it’s time to go to sleep. They may not understand why sleep is so important or why they need so much of it, but you do. While we can’t help you answer their deep bedtime questions, we do have some tips to help your kids get better sleep (and maybe drift off easier too!).
Turn Off the Electronics
No kid wants to put down their tablet, their phone, or turn off the television, but it’s really important to do that at least 30 to 60 minutes before you call it a night. The reason? Electronic devices emanate blue light and blue light has been found to disrupt the production of melatonin and that can ultimately make it more difficult for your child to get to sleep.
Make it a house rule that all electronics get turned off and put up in a central location before bed and see if it makes a difference for you and your family.
Stick to a Schedule
This is an important rule for everyone in the house! You need to endeavor to go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day – weekends included. It can be a real bummer let go of your weekend sleep-in, but that actually doesn’t help you to catch up on sleep at all. Tick to a consistent bedtime and wake up time and you’ll find it’s easier to go to sleep and get the rest you need during the week.
Find a Wind-Down Activity
Help your kids with their bedtime routine by finding a wind-down activity that can help them relax and let their body know that it’s time to settle down and get some sleep. For little kids, this might be a warm bath and reading a book together. For you, it might mean a mug of sleepy time tea or meditation. Just find something you enjoy that helps you settle down and prepare for sleep.
Getting good sleep is so important to everyone's health and happiness, so do what you can to make sure everyone's getting as much high-quality sleep as they can!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bossier City, La.