Sleep Hygiene For Kids
Now that we’ve discussed good sleep hygiene for adults, let’s take a look at sleep hygiene for kids, which is mostly the same with a few differences.
It’s interesting to take note that our sleeping habits actually begin in the crib and evolve as we get older. And, naturally, it’s an important parental responsibility to promote healthy sleep habits to the kids. The bedtime rituals often include the glass of warm milk, favorite storybook, night light, and, sense of parental protection and security.
Now, it’s also important to recognize that children between the ages of 5 to 12 need ten to eleven hours of sleep each night. Now, it’s been established that when children don’t get the proper amount of sleep; they forget what they learned in school; are grumpy; have trouble concentrating; have less patience, etc.
Now, here is a helpful (though not exhaustive) guideline for promoting good children’s sleep hygiene:
Set a bedtime and stick to it.
Establish the habit of brushing teeth and getting ready for bed.
Read your child a goodnight story.
Say goodnight: this provides the verbal trigger that the day is over and it’s time to sleep.
Leave the room.
DO NOT:
Use the television in place of a person.
Allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle or while being held.
Give your child a caffeine or sugar beverage.
Get involved in playtime activities.
So, those are some really good guidelines to follow to help your children get their proper rest. Now, sleep hygiene for adults naturally differs a little.
