4 Things to Consider When Facing Sleep Problems in Children
4 Things to Consider When Facing Sleep Problems in Children
All parents know that sleep can be hard to come by in the early years of life. With nighttime feedings, midnight diaper changes, and crib spit-up messes, getting a full night’s sleep may not come for several weeks or months after your little one is born. But what most parents don’t expect is to still be dealing with sleep troubles well into childhood—through the toddler years, preschool ages, and even into schooling years. Thankfully, there are natural and effective ways to remedy sleep problems in children, and your local Rochester Hills chiropractor is here to walk you through the solutions.
#1. Try Sleep Training
Sleep training has gotten a bad rap in recent years, as it’s touted as heartless parents who ignore their children’s cries all night long. This description couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, it’s okay to let a baby cry for a few minutes as they learn how to self-soothe, but nowhere did it say that you have to let them cry forever to learn to sleep well. Sleep training is about helping prepare their little bodies for a good night’s sleep and giving them the tools and ability to rest well without the assistance of a person or object.
#2. Pay Attention to Their Diet
Older kids especially are likely to see sleep disturbances when their diets are less than ideal. If your kiddo is eating dessert every night right before bed and then has trouble sleeping, you should see a pretty simple solution. But even dessert-free homes see diets linked to sleep troubles. Too much sugar, not enough protein, or low water consumption can contribute to poor sleep. Take a look at your pantry and fridge and see how you can modify your children’s diets slightly to improve their quality of slumber.
#3. Look at Their Daily Activities
Even as adults, we struggle to sleep at night on days when we laze around doing nothing. Kids are the same way. Maybe they’re restless or overtired, or maybe they simply didn’t have an opportunity to expel some energy. Get your kids moving during the day, minimize screen time, and get their brains thinking and working. Staying physically and mentally active throughout the day can do wonders for sleep quality.
#4. See a Chiropractor
Chiropractic care is an excellent option for kids struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Not only is it hugely effective and extremely safe, but it can also improve a number of other areas of their lives. Chiropractic adjustments can help regulate hormone levels, which play a role in a child’s ability to sleep. They can also help with digestive troubles, attention and focus issues, and general pain and discomfort that a child may be dealing with.
If your child is struggling to sleep well, you may feel at a loss about what to do. Dr. Thomas Madigan and Dr. Brendan Shanahan at Vitality Precision Chiropractic are here to help your whole family function better, live healthier, and get a better night’s sleep.