A recent national poll indicates that a quarter of parents find it challenging to get their young child to go to bed. These parents are less likely to have a consistent bedtime routine, more inclined to let their child watch a video or TV show, and more prone to staying with their child until they fall asleep.
Furthermore, the poll suggests that many children struggle with worries at bedtime, which contribute to the difficulties parents face. While most families have bedtime rituals to help their children transition into nighttime, some of these strategies may actually make it harder for children to sleep in the long run, as per the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. rnrnl Poll on Children’s Health.
According to a recent survey, 25% of parents find it challenging to put their young children to bed. These parents are less likely to have a bedtime routine, more likely to let their child watch a video or TV show, and more likely to stay with them until they fall asleep.
Sarah Clark, M.P.H., co-director of the Mott Poll, stated that “Our report highlights the common struggle parents face when trying to get young children to sleep. When bedtime becomes a nightly battle, some parents may develop habits that provide short-term relief but could lead to more sleep problems in the long run.”
“Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential in helping children develop healthy sleep habits,” she added.Sleep is extremely important for children’s physical and emotional development. A survey of 781 parents of children ages one to six found that nearly one in five parents have given their kids melatonin to help them sleep, and a third stay in the room until their child falls asleep. Nearly a quarter of parents say their child’s sleep is often or occasionally delayed due to nighttime worries.
Many parents find it challenging when their children experience bedtime fears or anxiety. According to a study, over a third of parents report that their children wake up upset or crying, while more than 40% state that their child ends up in their bed, and around 30% insist that the parent sleep in their room.
Child psychologist Dr. Clark explained that this behavior is common among young children who may become scared of the dark or worry about potential dangers, leading to bedtime delays and distress when parents leave the room. Additionally, bad dreams or nighttime awakenings can further disrupt a child’s sleep.
“While it is a normal part of a child’s development, it can be frustrating for parents who are already tired at the end of the day. Parents need to strike a balance between offering reassurance and comfort while still setting boundaries to ensure that everyone, both children and adults, get enough sleep.”
Other findings from the report and recommendations from Clark to help young children fall and stay asleep:
Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Most parents surveyed have a bedtime routine for their child, which may include activities such as brushing teeth and reading bedtime stories.Bathing. Less than 50% also indicate that their child drinks water or has a snack, switches off electronic devices, prays, and discusses their day.
Other bedtime rituals may involve holding a blanket or stuffed animal, or sucking on a pacifier or fingers.
Having a consistent bedtime routine not only helps with the transition to nighttime, but also allows for quality one-on-one time, giving the child the full attention of their parent.
“A predictable bedtime routine offers a sense of security and comfort, signaling to the child that it’s time to wind down,” said Clark.
“Knowing what to expect helps the child feel calm and prepared for sleep.”xt can help to alleviate anxiety and make children feel secure and calm. Spending this quality time with parents also encourages bonding and emotional connection, establishing positive bedtime associations.”
Almost 66% of parents also mentioned that children staying up to play was a significant factor in delaying sleep. Clark emphasizes the importance of winding down at least an hour before bedtime.
Create an environment that is conducive to sleep
Just under half of the parents surveyed indicated that their child sleeps in their own bedroom, while fewer than 25% share a bedroom with siblings or in the parents’ bedroom. One in 10 children spend pChildren should ideally spend part of the night in their own bedroom and part with their parents. According to a recent poll, over 40% of parents mentioned that noise from other rooms was disrupting their child’s sleep. According to Clark, the sleep environment can significantly impact a child’s sleep quality, affecting their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Ideally, children should have their own bed in a quiet room, free from noise caused by other family members. Additionally, many parents use a nightlight or keep the bedroom door cracked to prevent complete darkness, but it’s important to ensure that the light does not disrupt the child’s sleep.
Direct sunlight should not shine directly at the child’s face.
Some parents use calming music or stories to help their child go to sleep, while others use a white noise machine or app. However, Clark advises keeping white noise machines at no more than 50 decibels and placing them at least seven feet from the child’s bed to prevent unintended damage to the child’s hearing.
Consult a doctor before using aids such as melatonin
Many melatonin products are advertised as suitable for children, but they have not been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness, and their side effects and long-term impact are unknown.The effects of melatonin on a child’s growth and development are not yet fully understood, according to Clark. While melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep patterns and may be acceptable to use occasionally, parents should not depend on it as the main method for improving sleep, Clark explained. Any parents considering giving melatonin to their young child should first consult with their pediatrician to explore other options and eliminate other potential causes of sleep issues, Clark advised. If melatonin is used, parents should begin with the smallest dose possible. Furthermore, it is crucial to keep electronic devices like tablets and televisions out of children’s bedrooms, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
Many of these screens disrupt the body’s natural production of melatonin, affecting sleep.
To help reduce children’s anxiety, parents can give them extra time to talk about their day, allowing them to express specific worries. This gives parents an opportunity to offer compassion and reassurance, according to Clark.
Instead of staying in the room, parents can also offer to check on their child every few minutes. This acknowledges the child’s fears and provides reassurance, while still maintaining a calm sleep environment and promoting sleep independence.
Families can include comfort while also setting boundaries.”Create comforting routines to help turn night time fears into a calming experience,” Clark suggested.
Establish a uniform method for when children wake up during the night
Some children experience intense dreams or nightmares and may struggle to go back to sleep. According to Clark, parents should choose a strategy for handling this situation and adhere to it, whether it involves guiding the child back to bed or allowing them to stay in the parents’ room.
“Consistently following through with that strategy will help the child adapt and be more likely to fall back asleep,” Clark stated.
Gradually adjust to changes in sleep patterns.
Young children may experience a significant change in their sleep patterns when they stop taking daytime naps. Children between the ages of one and two should aim for 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps, while the recommended amount of sleep decreases slightly for children between the ages of three and six.
If children are taking longer to fall asleep during nap time, resisting naps, or experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night or waking up earlier than usual in the morning, it may be a sign that it’s time to discontinue the nap, according to Clark. “Parents may need to gradually adjust sleep routines to accommodate changes in a child’s sleep patterns,” Clark said.
Other causes of disruptions in a child’s sleep patterns can include changes in routine or environment, illness, or developmental milestones.
Some factors that can disrupt a child’s sleep include moving from a crib to a toddler bed, beginning school, experiencing a change in their daily routine, or spending more time outside than usual.