Light and Sleep

As a parent a good night sleep, undisturbed by little ones demands, is a precious thing indeed. The excitement of this time of year and the possibilities of parties and presents are more than enough to make children less inclined to settle quickly and easily to sleep. Unfortunately some of the things introduced to our children from toddler hood to teenage years are not particularly helpful with regard to sleep.

Before the explosion of technological entertainment, we followed natures’ pattern of light and night. The sun rose in the morning, bringing bright blue/white light which encouraged our bodies to release Cortisol, the hormone of waking and working. Then, as the day progressed, natural light altered its colors towards orange/red. This, along with other zietgebers such as meal times, encouraged the production of Melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Nowadays television, mobile phone apps, computers and computer games work using fast editing techniques which “excite” the brain. They also use blue/white light which encourages the release of Cortisol, and this reduces the release of Melatonin.

This is why sleep professionals encourage parents to ban computers, television and mobile phone games, for the last hour before bed time.  This hour is precious, and should be used to “wind down” from the days events. Using entertainments which encourage hand eye co-ordination are more helpful in the later part of the day, and should form part of a pre bed routine.

If you have concerns about your child's sleep contact me on info@dream-angus.com

Children and sleep disturbances.

Children's sleep is slowly becoming a more recognised issue both in the media and in the field of research. Channel 4 (UK television) recently presented a programme where two different Sleep specialists "competed" to see whose methods were more successful. The families who took part had different sleep issues and both had difficulties in being consistent. This is often the case. When you have a big sleep deficit it is very difficult to manage situations, to make clear decisions, and to follow through.

Both families did experience resolution of their sleep disturbances and now the children are reported to be sleeping well. The parents will have their own sleep deficit to address and gradually they too will experience the full benefits of an improved sleep.

There are as many ways to address the various sleep disturbances of childhood, as there are families who need this help. The real expertise is in choosing the most appropriate intervention for a particular family and their child. Then the majority of the work, which the parents have to do, is about being consistent. When a plan works, it works because the parents have accepted the method and have been consistent in following it. How quickly resolution occurs is entirely down to the appropriate method and the parents ability to be consistent.

Children learn by demonstration and frequent repetition. The boundaries have to be set and maintained. This helps the child to become secure in understanding what is expected of them, and to settle to a desired pattern of behaviour. Our children want to please us. When we have a sleep deficit, and when we fail to be consistent, they become confused and this leads to insecurity.

In the interests of the programme, making interesting television, there was more emphasis on the competition between the two experts than on the resolution of the sleep issues. There is no reason why, in this day and age, any parent should have to struggle to get their child or children to settle well at bed time and sleep through the night. There are services out there to help.

Children with special needs have particular issues, but, even with the complications of their specific requirements, they can be taught to sleep and to sleep properly. The main difference is that children who have other health issues are likely to require a more prolonged programme.

If you would like help to resolve your child, or children's sleep issues,
Contact Dream-Angus. A fifteen minute telephone conversation is free.