Sleep is even more important to children than adults. According to the National Sleep Foundation, school age children require 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night whereas adults only need 7 to 9 hours. Unfortunately, children and adults rarely get as much as they need. A lack of good quality sleep leads to many problems, such as:
* Mood Problems – We can all relate. Too little sleep will make anyone less pleasant to be around.
* Slow Reaction Times – If your child’s an athlete, they’re not going to do as well without regular full night rests.
* Memory Problems – Likewise, studying doesn’t work as well when your brain isn’t fully rested and ready.
* Bedwetting – Overtired children are much more likely to sleep through a bedwetting accident. And a wet bed is no fun to clean up.
But, fear not! You can help your child get more and better sleep, by using these simple strategies:
1. Routine, Routine, Routine
Children sleep better if they go to bed and wake up the same time every day. This way their body knows when to start powering down and when it’s expected to get back in gear. Weekend sleep patterns are often slightly different, and that’s fine, but experts recommend not varying the sleep pattern by more than 1 or 1.5 hours.
2. Bedtime Rituals
Have a relaxing bedtime ritual that lets your child know it’s time to start settling down. For many parents this includes having the child bathe and possibly reading them a story before lights out.
3. Comfortable Environment
If your child’s trying to sleep while you’re playing Guitar Hero at full volume, things might not go smoothly. Try to keep the noise in the house at a reasonable level and make sure your child’s room is a comfortable temperature.
4. Exercise
We’re not suggesting you make your kid go run a mile so they get tired before bed. But if your kid has been lounging on the couch all day you shouldn’t be surprised if they complain of not being sleepy at bedtime. Having your kids get regular exercise will help them sleep better and also promotes a good, healthy lifestyle.
5. Turn Off the Electronics 1 Hour Before Bed
Television, video games, the internet, and even music are highly stimulating. To create a relaxing environment for your brain, experts recommend switching these off 1 hour before bed. Many suggest not allowing computers or televisions in bedrooms at all. This way, a bedroom becomes a place of rest and relaxation.
Austin Sheeley is an avid blogger and writer for BedwettingStore.com. He writes about treatments for bedwetting as well as bedwetting causes, such as lack of sleep, constipation, urinary tract infections and juvenile diabetes.
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