SLEEP PROBLEM IN CHILDREN
Sleep; It is one of the most important factors for growth and development. Because growth hormone is secreted most during sleep. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the sleep patterns of babies and children.
However; In some cases, babies and children may have trouble sleeping. For example;
The child may be hungry or too full.
There may be gas pains.
Infants may have symptoms of colic.
Mattress may not be suitable for body type.
He may have slept a lot during the day.
He may not have done enough physical activity during the day to get tired.
Parents may not have a certain sleeping pattern at home, so there is no environment for the child to model.
The necessary environment may not be provided for the child to sleep comfortably. (Don’t talk loudly, turn the TV volume up, etc.)
He may be afraid in his sleep. That’s why he doesn’t sleep because he thinks that every time he sleeps, he will be afraid again.
Children of working parents, especially, do not want to sleep in order to spend more time with their parents because they miss their parents.
Advice to parents:
Do not starve the child.
Do not eat heavy foods that will cause distress before going to sleep.
Check for gas pains.
If your baby is colic, give him a relaxing massage, listen to music, talk to him.
Don’t let him sleep a lot during the day, 2 hours of noon nap is enough for children over 2 years old.
Allow him to do activities during the day where he can get tired and spend his energy.
Establish a certain sleep pattern at home and follow this order.
Take care to be at home during the child’s sleep hours. Adjust your home visits and other chores accordingly.
Be careful not to talk loudly during the child’s sleep hours, and not to turn the volume of the television too high. Because the child’s mind stays with you and cannot fall asleep.
Do not change the child’s sleeping environment. Do not sleep in one room one day and in another room the other day. Even if he doesn’t have a room of his own, sleep in the same environment every day.
Warn the child before bedtime approaches. This will help him prepare himself for sleep.
Have him take a warm shower before going to sleep.
Do not use drugs or herbal teas for sleep. Instead, a warm glass of milk will be more effective and nutritious.
Celebrate when your child gets ready for sleep and goes to bed.
Read short stories to him or play soft music in his room before he falls asleep.
