If children are not sleeping well, they may experience developmental or behavior problems, and in turn, parents and siblings may suffer unnecessary stress as well. What’s most important is recognizing problems in your child’s sleep so that you can start to solve them. Look for the following signs: Are you spending too much time “helping” your child fall asleep? Is your child waking up repeatedly throughout the night? Do you notice that your child’s mood and/or behavior are affected by poor sleep? Common sleep problems that occur in children can be corrected quickly once they are identified and treated. A few recommendations that may help are: 1. Follow a consistent routine, 2. Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime, 3. Avoid giving your child food and drinks containing caffeine (soda’s, chocolate, etc.) at bedtime. Most sleep problems in children do not reflect poor parenting, nor do they mean that there is something seriously wrong with your child. Occasionally, consulting with a sleep specialist is recommended. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states: “The value of sleep can be measured by your child’s smiling face, happy nature, and natural energy.”
My Child Can’t Sleep
