How can I help my child sleep better?
August 14, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear team of the online consultation,
I am reaching out to you because I urgently need advice on how to help my child sleep better. My son, Max, is 5 years old and has been having massive difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep for several weeks now. He wakes up multiple times during the night, is restless and often cannot fall back asleep. As a result, he is often tired, inattentive, and irritable during the day.
We have already established a bedtime routine, read to him in the evenings, play soft music, and create a quiet sleep environment. However, despite all these measures, Max just doesn't seem to be able to relax. We are very concerned about his health and development, as we know that lack of sleep can have negative effects on children.
Could you please provide me with some tips and recommendations on how we can help Max sleep better? Are there specific sleep techniques, relaxation exercises, or natural remedies that we can try? Or should we perhaps seek advice from a doctor to rule out any possible physical causes for his sleeplessness?
Thank you in advance for your help, and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Erika Kuhn
Dear Erika Kuhn,
I understand your concern about Max and his sleep problem very well. It is important for children to get enough sleep, as this has a big impact on their health and development. It's good that you have already established a solid bedtime routine, as routines can help children fall asleep and stay asleep better.
There are some tips and recommendations that can help you support Max with his sleep. First of all, it might be helpful to further optimize the sleep environment. Make sure that Max's bedroom is neither too hot nor too cold and that it is adequately dark. Also, a comfortable room temperature and a good mattress can contribute to better sleep.
Furthermore, you could try introducing relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help Max relax and fall asleep more easily. Breathing exercises or meditation can also help calm the mind and promote sleep.
There are also natural remedies that can help support Max. For example, Bach flowers or melatonin supplements can help him calm down and sleep better. But please always consult a doctor or pediatrician before using such remedies to ensure they are suitable for Max.
If the sleep problems persist and do not improve, it may be advisable to see a pediatrician to rule out any possible physical causes for the lack of sleep. For example, Max may be suffering from sleep apnea or other health issues that are affecting his sleep.
I hope these tips and recommendations help you better support Max with his sleep. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Dr. David Schmitt
