At this time of year it is particularly important to ensure that our children get enough sleep. Excited children, fighting sleep in the hope of catching Santa leaving presents, seeing the reindeer, or just taking part in the more sociable aspects of Christmas and New Year make life more difficult as their accompanying sleep deficit makes them more active and often more confrontational. It is so important to have a quiet period before bed. To allow and encourage children to wind down and sleep.
At the same time many manufacturers are promising all sorts of "aids to restful sleep" and in the Christmas spirit we may be tempted to spend money on gadgets which offer this golden promise. Unfortunately there is no golden gadget which can fulfill the promise of a good night's sleep. Medication can acheive this, but who wants to become dependant on medication for a good nights sleep? Light therapy can help individuals with circadian rhythm disorders, but have little benefit for the rest of the population.
In order to acheive a good nights sleep routines of wake and sleep times are vital. Ensuring that one wakes at the same time and settles to sleep at the same time every night are the practical habits which reinforce our body clocks. Having some out door exercise in the fresh, albeit cold/wet air every day will also help. Sleep is something we learn to do. We learn by repetition and by habit, so it is important that our habits are good.
Having a quiet hour, making the last hour of wakefulness less stimulating, even boring, prepares our minds for sleep. Breathing excercises, yoga, or meditation may help adults to remove themselves from the stresses and cares of the day and quiet the mind. Children who are read to or who read or work on quiet activities are much more likely to go to bed happily than those who have had a busy time or participated in stimulating exciting activities before bedtime.
There are recognised "Good Hygiene Guidelines" which we should review and adhere to if we want our children to go to sleep and wake rested and bright in the morning.
If you would like a free copy of these contact Dream-Angus.com
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