Sometimes, getting kids and toddlers to sleep can be a nightmare. They can be wide awake one moment and snoozing the next in an instant, it can feel inconsistent. Unlike adults, children require more sleep on average (8-10 hours) than adults do (6-8). This is because children’s bodies and brains are still developing: getting sleep is vital to this process. Sleep is beneficial for your children, but it’s also a breather for parents as well. But if your kids are having a difficult time going to bed, that can be a worrisome problem. Here are some tips to help your child or children go to sleep easier. 

Creating a Sleep Schedule

This is a tip that actually applies to adults as well. The human body forms patterns and rhythms over time — sleep schedules, bowel movements, and hunger cravings just to name a few. Although life can be a busy and hectic affair, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule to the best of your ability. Having a strict bedtime, waking time, and scheduled naps (after lunch, after school, etc.) will help create a sleep schedule, allowing your children to sleep easier by forming an internal rhythm. Here are some ways to childproof your child’s bedroom. 

Active Play

Anyone who has children knows how much energy they can possess: sometimes it feels infinite. Free emotional expression, lack of negative inhibitions, and an increased intake of oxygen allow children to maintain such a massive expenditure of energy. The best way to deal with this is to give them outlets to burn it off. Lots of playtimes, outdoor play, and physical activity allow children to get rid of pent-up energy. Stifling children and keeping them indoors doesn’t allow children to have an outlet, making it more difficult to sleep later on. 

Limiting Screentime Before Bed

A 21st-century problem, the introduction of screens to children has positives and negatives. Screens and technology allow children to learn and give parents a brief reprieve so they can be their best; however, screens can have negative effects on children’s sleep. Most screens emit stimulating light (blue light) that is similar to the brain’s reaction to sunshine: it tricks your body into thinking it’s daytime and time to be awake. Limiting screen time before bed, usually an hour prior can reduce the effects blue light has on your children. Contact the healthcare experts at ThriveMD for access to a bevy of medical information.