“ Teaching Children to Sleep”
self help books & Children's Sleep article

Sleep, or the lack of it, is a very important concern in childcare. Parents, pediatricians, and sleep experts have noted that the quality and quantity of an infant's sleep directly affects the infant's physical, mental, and emotional growth.

While sleeping, the body produces more somatotropin, a hormone that stimulates growth. After a good night's rest, a child feels refreshed and energetic. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better, and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness.

Children's Sleep Patterns

Some kids have an abundance of stamina and need only an hour's nap a day. Others who are less energetic need at least two naps a day to recharge. By understanding how children's sleep requirements develop age by age, parents can better judge which bedtime habit is best for their tots.

When the baby reaches six months old, it's time for parents to decide on which sleep approach to implement: 1) Gentle to sleep, which lets children set their own sleeping patterns and habits, or 2) Sleep training, which sets a specific bedtime for the child, along with measures that strictly enforce that bedtime.

The Gentle to sleep approach is one of the features of attachment parenting, a natural and instinctive parenting method that promotes physical and emotional closeness between the parent and the child. In The Baby Sleep Book, author, popular American pediatrician, and chief advocate of attachment parenting, Dr William Sears advises parents to co-sleep and respond sensitively to baby's cries.

Parents should make sleep an attractive state for the baby to be in. Dr. Sears also suggest that if sleep deprived, parents may consider weaning the baby off nighttime feedings. What the baby needs is a happy, rested mother.

Sleep Training

Richard Ferber, pediatric sleep expert and director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the Children's Hospital in Massachusetts, believes that babies sleep more soundly and uninterruptedly when they learn to fall asleep without parental association. Ferber's philosophy is often called a "progressive" approach that helps babies fall - and stay - asleep.

Ferber recommends a pre-bedtime routine: singing, reading a book, or rocking your baby. While your baby is still awake, put him/her down and allow your baby to pacify himself/herself. This can help her gradually, but strictly shift from parenting soothing to self-soothing.

Though the method dissuades parents from comforting their child immediately, it still deems parental presence and attention as important. It simply decreases the duration in which these are given, with the goal of enabling children to become independent sleepers early on.

You may shift from one approach to another, or modify one to suit your comfort levels. Admittedly, when trying to introduce a sleep routine to toddlers, parents may encounter varying degrees of resistance. Sleep problems such as nighttime fears and nightmares are common at this stage. You might have to stay a while by your child's side to calm him/her down.

Either way, forming sleep habits in children entails a good balance of rule setting and flexibility on your part. Keeping attuned to cues given by your child will help you achieve that balance.

Sleeping Insomnia Away The Natural Way

About 100 million or more Americans from all age groups, at one time or occasionally, fail to acquire a sound sleep at night.

Insomnia is not defined by the quantity of hours an individual gets to sleep or the length of time it takes to fall right asleep, because persons normally vary in sleeping needs, patterns, and satisfaction.

But insomnia is the complaint perception of poor-quality or inadequate sleep due to trouble falling asleep, waking up very early the next day, frequently waking up at night and having trouble returning back to sleep, or disturbing kind of sleep.

Insomnia is not an illness or disease but a disorder, commonly called insomnia sleeping disorder.

Treatment for secondary and primary insomnia can include behavioral cognitive therapy, exercise, dietary changes, exercise, meditation, chromatherapy, relaxation, “bright light therapy”, acupuncture, dietary supplements as well as a selection of herbal preparations.

Here are ways to help you get better sleep and treat your insomnia:

1. Set a bedtime schedule for you. Set a certain schedule for bedtime as well as for waking up the next morning.

Experts do agree that almost all individuals need seven to eight hours of sleep; however, this differs from every person. Be aware of sleeping needs whether or not you can comfortably manage on six, eight, or nine hours sleep.

2. Use your bedroom for sleeping only.

3. Lessen your intake of stimulant, especially a few hours before bed including coffee, alcohol, tea, and cigarettes.

4. Organize and set up a relaxing bedroom, conducive for sleep. Bring in scented candles like lavender and jasmine scents to calm your senses. Make sure you turn off the lights and set your bedroom temperature in a cool, comfortable level preferably 65 to 70 degrees.

5. Take a warm, relaxing bath before you go to bed; your body then will respond by cooling itself down, which occurs naturally right before you go to sleep.

6. Avoid accomplishing anything that will stimulate your mind or body an hour before bedtime. Never perform your workout exercises or decorate your spare bedroom at night.

Likewise, try not to watch television before bed. If this cannot be done, or when you have a T.V. set in your room, either place it in another location or watch only relaxing programs, not horror, thrillers, or rock concerts.

7. Stay away from snacking at night. However, if you enjoy eating before bedtime, then just eat a small meal and avoid foods high in protein foods as well as those containing plenty of sugar or fats. Instead, eat low-fat yogurt or a bowl of cereal.

8. Clear your mind out of concerns and worries. Before you sleep, list down everything that worries you. This is a very simple yet effective act because committing your worries unto paper will free your mind so that you can sleep well.

9. In bed, get comfortable. Upon closing your eyes, practice a meditation or relaxation exercise.

10. Take encouraging steps to stimulate relaxation. Relax yourself before going to bed, such as reading a relaxing and inspiring book that makes you feel good. When possible, open up your bedroom windows to allow cool air to come in and allow yourself to meditate.

The method to treating insomnia effectively does not actually have to rely on sleeping pills but to simple changes in your lifestyle.

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