“How to help a child having trouble sleeping because of all the changes?”
My 8 year old is having trouble sleeping with everything going on right now. How do I help him?
4 Answers
My first answer which I'm sure you are already doing is to talk to your child and let him/her express their concerns. One of the most common precipitating factors that cause insomnia to begin is worry and anxiety in children and adults. You can have him listen to relaxing music or sounds that he enjoys, not visual things like TV or iPad. If the problem continues I encourage you to read Richard Ferber's book on helping your child sleep. I've incorporated his principles into my childhood insomnia practice.
I love your question. Okay, keep a steady routine, same bedtime, no sugar or chocolate before bed, and no TV within 30 minutes to one hour of bedtime. Use this time to talk and do nighttime routines, brushing teeth, maybe start reading a book together, pray with him, and or sing a song. I use this in our practice, and refer to it as sleep hygiene. Most kids can sense anxiety in the parent and stress. Limit the late night new, try to “re-normalize your family life as much as possible.”
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for your question at FADT. During these unusual times human routines are interrupted in a major way, even though it is necessary for everybody's safety. Children are much more vulnerable to routine changes. You child may sleep better if you follow a strict routine right now. For example set a program for the day, set specific times for meals, work, play, engage in physical activity for at least an hour every day, help your child connect with friends maybe virtually for some times every day. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD
It's normal for a child and even adults to have a shift in sleep patterns when a crisis occurs. Most times the sleep difficulty is due to anxiety. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Maintain consistent bed times even when schools are not in session.
2. Remove all devices from the child and bedroom 30 minutes prior to the designated bedtime.
3. A warm bath, soothing music, and even reading to your child can be helpful in relaxing you and the child.
4. Model anxiety under control. Children will emulate their parents so make sure you model what you want them to do.
1. Maintain consistent bed times even when schools are not in session.
2. Remove all devices from the child and bedroom 30 minutes prior to the designated bedtime.
3. A warm bath, soothing music, and even reading to your child can be helpful in relaxing you and the child.
4. Model anxiety under control. Children will emulate their parents so make sure you model what you want them to do.
