Quality Sleep for Everyone
By Donna Stark
You have taken great care to ensure your children have established healthy habits from a very young age. You have taught them how to brush their teeth, wash their hands, and sneeze into their elbows, but have you taught them how to prioritize their sleep as well? We all know that sleep is vital for optimal health and wellness, but it's even more important for your children's growth and development. On top of that, it can make a tremendous impact on their academic and athletic performances as well.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Sleep problems are not something to ignore. In fact, if your children are struggling to get the recommended amount of rest each night, you need to take action as quickly as you can. Here are some of the red flags you should watch out for and address if they start to show up.
- Poor or failing grades in school
- Low self-esteem
- Abrupt appetite changes
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Behavior changes
- Increased rate of illness or accidents
Achieving Quality Sleep
If your children are struggling with getting the recommended amount of sleep they need, keep reading. Your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have some tips they would like to share.
- The perfect bedroom - Bedrooms should be designed for sleep. That means they should be dark, quiet, safe, and secure. It's recommended that all electronic devices are removed or turned off too.
- Consistent bedtime routines - A good nighttime routine is predictable, consistent, and should be done within 30 minutes of your children's bedtimes. Your children should aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends!
- Doing it on their own - Having your children manage their bedtime routines and falling asleep on their own is an important goal to work toward. Start with baby steps and add new responsibilities to their routines slowly.
- Keeping them busy - It's important to schedule naps and activities strategically throughout the day so your children will be ready and tired for bed when it's time for sleep. Also, pay attention to the foods they are eating and the beverages they are drinking in the early evening hours. They may be affecting the quality of your children's sleep too.
Quality Sleep for Everyone in the House!
The earlier you teach your children good sleeping habits and the more consistent they are with them will help everyone in the house get the sleep their bodies need! So, try incorporating the tips above into their routines at a young age. You won't be sorry for doing so!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, Mo.