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Sleeping Disorders
You may find that as your child grows, it's increasingly difficult to settle him to sleep. Children hate to miss out on anything going on, and some will keep coming downstairs or generally make a fuss about having to go to bed at all. If your child is bursting with energy, let him run around to let off steam before moving on to more calming activities. Help children wind down with a quiet game, bath, or bedtime story. Children like routines - it makes them feel secure; if your child goes through the same bedtime routine each day, he'll know what to expect, and may find it easier to drift off to sleep. If you usually read two books and sing a favourite song before you tuck him in, follow this routine every night, even when you're pressed for time. To help keep a child in bed while settling to sleep, try story tapes, or books they can read to themselves. You could also use rewards, such as a star chart with a star for every night he doesn't come down to disturb you followed up by a special treat. If your child resists going to sleep, you may need to use a "controlled crying" approach. Go through the usual bedtime routine, say goodnight and leave the room. As soon as your child starts to protest, go back in, say goodnight again, and tell him you'll be back in five minutes to check on him. Do this every five minutes for as long as the crying lasts. It may take a week or more for this approach to work, but it will be worth it. If your child has got used to going to bed late, try bringing bedtime forward by ten minutes each night until she is going to bed at a reasonable hour. How can I help my child sleep through the night? If your child is generally a good sleeper and begins waking in the night, it's a good idea to check there isn't a medical reason. However, some children have persistent problems sleeping through the night even when they reach the age of eight or so. The good news is, you can teach them to do so. The key is to teach your child to fall asleep alone. If he can only fall asleep with you around, he will need you there to soothe him back to sleep when he wakes in the night. If you have been staying in his room while he goes to sleep, try sitting a little further away from him each night, so that he learns how to fall asleep by himself. If your child disturbs you by persistently coming into your bed, take him back, each and every time. Do not give him any cuddles or attention, as these are the rewards he is seeking. Soon he will to settle back to sleep. How can I calm my child's night-time fears and nightmares? Children have vivid imaginations, which is why your child may be scared of the dark, ghosts or monsters. A night-light can help, as can a chat and a cuddle during the day - it's best not to raise the subject at bedtime. Many children occasionally have a frightening dream or nightmare. They usually just need a cuddle and reassurance to settle to sleep again. They're not necessarily a sign of emotional disturbance - a scary film or story is probably to blame. If they are frequent, make time to listen to your child's worries in the day and have a particularly cuddly bedtime. Night-terrors are rare, but very alarming for parents. Your child will seem to wake in a panic, or terrible distress, and while you want to comfort him, he will not be aware of you or his surroundings. Don't try to wake him, but stay with him until he falls asleep again. He won't remember anything, even immediately afterwards. While these episodes are frightening, children usually grow out of them very quickly. What about sleepwalking? A small number of children sleepwalk. If you did it, your child is likely to as well. It usually only happens once a night and for only about 15 minutes at a time, ending spontaneously with your child back in bed and asleep. It is best not to try to wake your child. Some children may be led back to bed, but if yours resists, don't force him. Ensure that he is safe when he sleepwalks by clearing away all toys, closing all windows and fitting a stair gate and high locks to all external doors. Persistent and frequent sleepwalking may indicate other problems, so talk to your doctor. How about wetting the bed? One in ten children is still wetting the bed by the age of five. There may be physical causes, such as a urinary infection - especially if your child has been dry and then starts to wet again - so check with your doctor. Avoiding drinks after 6.00pm may work for children with the occasional wet bed. Punishment won't help, but star charts and other rewards might. Sometimes there can be emotional causes, such as bullying at school.
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