In order for our kids to put their best feet forward, we need to ensure they are getting a good night’s sleep. When a child is low on sleep, their parent’s day gets a lot more challenging as tired kids are moody and often uncooperative.
Thankfully, research has provided us with the knowledge needed to provide sleep support for kids. The Natural Healthy Concepts team has compiled some of the top articles referencing pediatric sleep and distilled them into this easy-to-read article. Enjoy!
American Kids are Chronically Not Getting Enough Sleep
According to Science Daily, only half of American children are getting adequate sleep during the week. Children who are “underslept” are more likely to have “physical and mental health consequences including increased risk of depression and obesity and negative effects on mood, attention and academic performance.” Simply put, we have to take our children’s sleep health seriously.
Sleep Support for Kids – Go by Age
Every child’s sleep needs are different. Not only is personality and temperament a factor, but age and brain development play a key role. For example, preschool-age children need between 10-13 hours per 24 cycle, while school-age children need slightly less at 9-12 hours.
At every age, there is still a 3-hour range that indicates “enough sleep.” This means your child’s sleep needs are unique to them. If you’re seeing behavioral issues, experiment with increasing sleep to see if it is beneficial.
Setting the Stage for Healthy Sleep
When it comes to sleep support for kids, good sleep habits can make a big difference in your child’s ability to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night.
Routines & Quality Time
Kids of all ages, but particularly young children, benefit from a consistent bedtime and nightly routine. Little ones may benefit from a book and a bath, while school age kids may need a different approach.
Parent/Guardian Time
Just because your child is older doesn’t mean they won’t sleep better with some snuggles and quality time before lights out. Keep the tuck-ins going as long as your kids ask for them, and even when they don’t. You’ll never regret that nightly time together
Eliminate Light Pollution
Screens emit a blue light that signals the brain to be awake and alert, therefore interrupting your child’s natural circadian rhythms. As best you can, turn the screens off at least an hour before bedtime.
Supplements to Support Healthy Sleep for Kids
Natural Healthy Concepts carries a great selection of products that are specially formulated to support your child’s sleep needs. Here are a few we recommend:
No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids
If you’re looking for a gentle, homeopathic support to help your kids sleep better, No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids is a great choice. This product is formulated to help your child calm down and may reduce nighttime fears and sleeplessness.
Garden of Life MyKind Kids Elderberry & Sleep Immune Syrup
Kids Elderberry & Sleep Immune Syrup from Garden of Life is a sleep and immune support featuring black elderberry, Echinacea, and vitamin C. This herbal sleep blend may help your child sleep better and experience fewer bouts of seasonal illness.
Calm and Restful 4 Kids by Hylands
Specially designed to target mental and physical restlessness, Calm and Restful 4 Kids by Hylands uses all natural ingredients in a quick dissolve tablet to help your child easily settle in to sleep.
What tricks and products help your kids sleep well? Our team would love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.
