5 things you to try when your child doesn’t like to sleep

child doesn't like to sleep
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Parenting comes with its unique set of challenges, one of which is ensuring your child gets enough sleep! It might seem humorous in sitcoms when children repeatedly leave their beds at night, turning their parents’ bedtime routine into a comedy sketch. However, when your child doesn’t like to sleep, it’s a situation fraught with frustration and exhaustion for parents.

A good night’s sleep is essential not just for the child’s health and development but also for the parents’ well-being and ability to function effectively during the day. Many factors can contribute to a child’s reluctance or inability to sleep through the night, and understanding these reasons is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. This article aims to guide you through various strategies to help your child embrace bedtime with ease and ensure that everyone in the household can enjoy a restful night.

Make Sure They Are Comfortable

If your child doesn’t like to sleep, it is best to start with logical solutions. Check that their bed is comfortable, that their room is at the right temperature, and that their bedclothes are appropriate and that there is nothing disturbing them like a strange picture or an odd light in their room. After all, you don’t want your child wearing thick thermals in the summer months, so check out a website like matalan.co.uk for seasonal night attire for your child(ren).

Set a Routine

A key part of helping a child to sleep through the night is to set a calming routine. This can involve taking a bath, brushing their teeth, and then having a bedtime story read. Try to avoid allowing your child to look at devices or screens two hours before bed, as this can mess with their brain chemistry and cause them to be alert. 

Child Doesn’t Like To Sleep? Don’t Get Annoyed

Even if you work from home or are a homemaker, having a child who won’t sleep in their own room can be exhausting. This is only heightened if they insist on climbing into your bed every night or waking you up to check for monsters in their closet.

It is very easy to get annoyed, especially in a sleep-deprived state. So, stay calm and try to put your child back to bed with minimal communication. In children who are simply getting into a new routine or are staying in a new room, this can help. For children who may have more extreme anxieties, it may not have the desired impact, and professional help may be needed. Either way, keep your cool!

Talk To Them

You were a child once too, and it is normal for children to be scared of the dark or of strange noises or shadows.. It is not ideal to glorify such concerns, but it can be worth taking the time to talk to your child(ren) about their worries relating to sleep. This will help you to get a better understanding of what is keeping them awake; are they concerned that something bad is going to happen? Or do they experience physical pain that can be causing issues with their sleep? Try to listen in a non-judgmental way and keep the conversation light. This can help a child who may be feeling a bit of shame to open up.

Seek Professional Help (if needed)

Sometimes, a child who has special needs may need a bit more help when it comes to sleep, especially if they have any kind of learning delay. Or, if you have a child who has anxiety, this can also cause problems with them sleeping at night. 

Helping a child who finds it difficult to sleep is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. By ensuring your child’s comfort, establishing a consistent routine, maintaining a calm demeanour, engaging in open dialogue, and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can significantly improve their sleep habits. If you find that the pattern of behaviours related to sleep is ongoing, it is worth talking to your doctor for a referral to a child psychologist or counsellor, who can help your child overcome their concerns.

Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s essential to be flexible and willing to try different strategies until you find what best suits your child’s needs. Creating a positive and supportive environment around bedtime can transform sleep from a battle of wills into an opportunity for bonding and relaxation. As you implement these strategies, you’ll not only help your child develop healthy sleep patterns but also instill in them the importance of rest, setting the foundation for their well-being for years to come.

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