Many parents struggle with bedtime battles with their young children, with one in four parents describing the process of getting their children to bed as difficult. The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health found that many parents rely on strategies that may actually increase sleep challenges in the long term. One of the common reasons behind bedtime struggles is children’s nighttime worries, with nearly a quarter of parents reporting that their child’s sleep is often delayed due to anxiety or worry.
Some parents have resorted to giving their children melatonin to help with sleep, with nearly one in five parents admitting to using this aid. Additionally, a third of parents stay in the room until their child is completely asleep. Many children also experience nighttime waking, with more than a third of parents reporting that their child wakes up crying or upset during the night. These nighttime disturbances can be frustrating for parents who are already tired and may lead to disruptions in sleep for everyone in the household.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential for children to get adequate rest, as it can impact their physical development, emotional regulation, and behavior. Most parents reported having a bedtime routine for their child, including activities such as brushing teeth, reading bedtime stories, and bathing. A predictable bedtime routine provides security and comfort to the child, signaling that it is time to wind down and go to sleep.
Parents should also promote an environment conducive to sleep by ensuring that their child has their own bed in a quiet room. Using a nightlight or white noise machine can help children fall asleep, but parents should be cautious about the volume levels and placement of these aids. Before resorting to sleep aids like melatonin, parents should consult with their pediatrician to discuss other options and rule out underlying causes of sleep problems. In cases where children wake up in the night, parents should have a consistent approach for dealing with these disturbances to help the child adjust and return to sleep.
Changes in sleep patterns, such as dropping naps or transitioning to a toddler bed, can also affect a child’s sleep. Parents may need to adjust sleep routines gradually to accommodate these changes and ensure that their child is getting enough rest. It is crucial for parents to maintain a consistent approach when children wake up in the night to help them develop good sleep habits and ensure that everyone in the household gets adequate rest. By following these recommendations and creating a calming bedtime routine, parents can help their young children fall and stay asleep, promoting healthy sleep habits for the entire family.