Tips Dealing with Sleep Problems in Children

Has your child's bedtime become the most dreaded part of your day? Do you have to argue with your child each night about what time he should go to sleep? You are more likely to face this problem if you have a child with older brothers or sisters who stay up later watching television or playing video games. The younger one is bound to feel left out and afraid of "missing something" if the rest of the family is up after he's asleep.

Your childs sleep problem can of course end up becoming your sleep problem. Sleep problems in children can cause a lot of stress in your life. Your baby ends up tired and you feel completely exhausted from being up all night with your child. Your childs screaming, crying, and nightmarish sequences may leave you at your wits end. It seems like the only people enjoying this situation are the coffee manufacturers since coffee seems like the only source of relief to calm a lot of frustrated parents.

One sensible thing that you can do for your child is never to allow him to watch a horror movie. While the short-term effects of watching horror movies or other films and television programs with disturbing content are well-documented among children and teens, a new study shows that long-term effects can linger on even into adulthood.

We as adults may hate having to deal with monsters sleeping under the bed or hiding in the closet. Fear of the dark and of separation from parents is a double fear that keeps many children awake. Put on a night-light. Parent your child off to sleep with a soothing story, massage or song. Leave relaxing tapes playing for an hour or so after bedtime. Young children need these helpers because they cannot use their minds to overcome their fears.

Fear changes based on age. As children we are confronted with an "irrational" type fear (e.g., "monsters" and "ghosts"), then, as we grow, these fears become more and more complex and articulate, coming closer to our social and relational sphere (e.g., fear of appearing inadequate). Normally, fears tend to disappear with the passing of time: gradually, in fact, children develop perceptive and emotional capabilities which allow them to overcome their fears, limiting the negative effect on the child. You need to be an attentive and supportive parent. Support your child with kind words and affection. Never mock or show indifference towards your childs fears.

Sleep problems in children may cause accidents and injuries, behavioral problems, mood problems, concentration and learning problems, performance problems and slower reaction times. Medical conditions that can cause sleep problems in children are the lack of nutrition in the diet as well as the lack of exercise. Get your child some professional help immediately and never ignore the problem.

Home page

Treatments
About some of the different treatments.

Types of sleep problems
A list of some of the different sleep disorders.

General information
Information about sleep disorders.

Disclaimers
Our contact and privacy information.