The sleeping child

ArchiveOct 7, 2011

1 min read

Accidents and injuries
Behaviour problems
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Memory, concentration, and learning problems
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Slower reaction times
Talk to your pediatrician if your child exhibits any of the following signs of a sleep problem:
SnoringBreathing pauses during sleep
Problems with sleeping through the night
Difficulty staying awake during the day
Unexplained decrease in daytime performance
Unusual events during sleep
Establish a regular time for bed each night and do not vary from it. Similarly, the waking time should not differ from weekday to weekend by more than one to one and a half hours.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading a story.
Do not give children any food or drinks with caffeine less than six hours before bedtime.
Make sure the temperature in the bedroom is comfortable and that the bedroom is dark.
Make sure the noise level in the house is low.
Avoid giving children large meals close to bedtime.
Make after-dinner playtime a relaxing time as too much activity close to bedtime can keep children awake.
There should be no television, radio, or music playing while the child is going to sleep.

Published October 7, 2011