Sleep is vital for a child’s overall development, yet many children experience sleep problems that can significantly impact their well-being and daily functioning. Understanding common sleep problems in children and knowing how to address them can help parents ensure their children get the rest they need. Below are some common sleep problems in children.
Delayed Sleep Onset
Delayed sleep onset in children is where a child has difficulty falling asleep within a reasonable timeframe after going to bed, typically taking longer than 15 minutes. This issue can stem from various factors including irregular sleep schedules, or excessive stimulation before bed. Children with delayed sleep onset may struggle with daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calming sleep environment, limiting screen exposure before bed, and creating an appropriate sleep schedule can help address and improve delayed sleep onset in children.
Night Awakenings
Frequent night awakenings are another common sleep problem in children. Children who wake frequently during the night may struggle to fall back asleep, leading to disrupted sleep for both the child and their parents.It is important to address any medical issues (such as sleep apnea) with the help of a healthcare professional. At Bloom, we can help parents establish an appropriate sleep schedule and create healthy sleep dependencies to improve night awakenings.
Sleep Dependencies
Sleep dependencies occur when a child relies on specific conditions or objects to fall asleep, such as needing a parent to be present, rocking, or a specific toy. While comfort objects can be helpful, over-reliance on them can lead to difficulties in falling asleep or returning to sleep independently during a night awakening if the object or condition is not available. To address sleep dependencies, we can help parents gradually and systematically fade the dependencies and guide them through responding to night awakenings.
To conclude, sleep problems in children are common, but with the right strategies, parents can help their children achieve better sleep. Establishing consistent routines, creating a conducive sleep environment, and addressing any underlying medical issues are key steps in ensuring healthy sleep habits. Prioritizing sleep is essential for the overall health and well-being of children, paving the way for their growth, development, and daily success.

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