Try as you may, you can’t seem to get your kids to calm down and get to bed. They seem to have a never-ending supply of energy that keeps them going for hours after you’ve tucked them in. Before you can have a moment to yourself they’re barging in the room asking for one thing or another, or screaming at the top of their lungs from their bedroom down the hall. You’re at the point where you’re willing to do just about anything to get a straight 8 hours of sleep.
What could be going on?
Every mother has had their fair share of restless nights where the kids just can’t seem to stay in the bed for more than a few minutes at a time. However, when it’s happening on a regular basis, this means no one is getting the amount of rest they need. There are a lot of things that could be keeping the kids up at night, but here are some of the most common you may want to rectify first.
Too Much Sugar
Bedtime snacks are pretty common. It’s just a bit of food you give your kid before they turn in for the night to keep those tummies satisfied through the night. There may not be an issue of feeding your kids a quick snack, but what you feed them can make all the difference. If their favorite end of the day snack is filled with sugar or artificial sweeteners, this is a big part of the reason why they won’t go or stay asleep for very long. The sugar rush gives them a boost of energy that can keep them up for hours. So, its probably best that you give them something light with as little sugar as possible before bed. If you’d like to swap the sugar for a healthy alternative, then the raw, organic honey from Gold Bee Nutrition is the best alternative. Not only does it have no artificial sweeteners and additives, it also has positive effects on the digestive system.
Also, it is important to try to limit your child’s sugar intake for their oral health. It is no secret that eating too many sugary foods and drinking too many sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Therefore, if your little one has a sweet tooth, it is important that you teach them the importance of brushing their teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash. Additionally, you can boost your child’s oral health by taking them to see the dentist for regular checkups. Nowadays there are some fantastic Central Point Oregon dentists that are brilliant at working with children so do not be afraid if your child is nervous about going to the dentist. There are lots of things that can be done to put their mind at ease. Just be sure to let your child know how vital brushing their teeth at least twice a day can be.
Uncomfortable Clothing or Bedding
Does your little one get tucked in at night and before long wake up crying from discomfort? It is a very real possibility that your little one suffers from hypersensitivity in which the materials on their bedding or clothing can make them hysterical. If their bed sheets and comforters have lace, buttons, velcro, or other irritating materials on them, you should switch them out. The same goes for pajamas and undergarments. Perhaps invest in seamless socks and tagless shirts for them to sleep better.
No Routine
You might be beaten at the end of the day as your life tends to revolve around the kids and their schedule, but bedtime isn’t the time of day to get unstable. Your kids need structure from the time they get up until the time they go to sleep. If you don’t have a bedtime routine, they tend to do what they want. You can add a few details to the end of their day that will help them unwind and realize it’s time to sleep. Have them to eat their snacks, brush their teeth, take a bath or shower, read a book, and then get into bed. Try to keep bedtime to the same time every night so that their bodies adjust.
Too Many Distractions
Overstimulation is a big part of the reasons that parents have a hard time getting their children to sleep at night. If there are too many distractions going on around them, it can make it difficult to rest. Things, like watching tv or playing video games just before bed or hearing noise of other family members still awake in another room, can be enough to get the kids out of the bedrooms and running around. Try to eliminate screen time just before bed and keep things around the house quiet.
You and your children need to get several hours of quality sleep each night. If you’re having a difficult time getting everyone on board, perhaps it is the direct result of some of the factors listed above. Use the advice to remedy the problem. If after a few days, there is still no change or progress, schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor as there could be a deeper issue to why they’re so restless at night.