Encourage your child to fall asleep in their own bed alone each night. Visual support. Using visual aids/social stories and books can all help support a good bedtime routine Wake your child at the same time every morning. This helps set the 24 hour body clock. Opening the curtains to let the light in will help get rid of any sleepy melatonin. Clear messages. It is important to give consistent messages to your child at bedtime and night time that it is now time to sleep. When you have tucked your child into bed, you should always leave the bedroom completely. Keep verbal interaction, physical contact and eye contact minimal if you need to return to your child during the night. And a few more tips. A bedroom for sleeping - As far as possible their bedroom should be used just for sleeping. This will help promote good sleeping habits. Troublesome sleep Many children at some point will go through a time where they – have problems with their sleep. Making changes to a child’s sleep can take time and commitment. Stick with it and give consistent messages. Sleep diary. - Keeping a sleep diary is a perfect way of recording your child’s sleep. By looking at it you can often work out what to do next. Get help and support If you are having problems with your child’s sleep, talk to – your health visitor, school nurse or health professional.
Encourage your child to fall asleep in their own bed alone each night. Visual support. Using visual aids/social stories and books can all help support a good bedtime routine Wake your child at the same time every morning. This helps set the 24 hour body clock. Opening the curtains to let the light in will help get rid of any sleepy melatonin. Clear messages. It is important to give consistent messages to your child at bedtime and night time that it is now time to sleep. When you have tucked your child into bed, you should always leave the bedroom completely. Keep verbal interaction, physical contact and eye contact minimal if you need to return to your child during the night. And a few more tips. A bedroom for sleeping - As far as possible their bedroom should be used just for sleeping. This will help promote good sleeping habits. Troublesome sleep – Many children at some point will go through a time where they have problems with their sleep. Making changes to a child’s sleep can take time and commitment. Stick with it and give consistent messages. Sleep diary. - Keeping a sleep diary is a perfect way of recording your child’s sleep. By looking at it you can often work out what to do next. Get help and support – If you are having problems with your child’s sleep, talk to your health visitor, school nurse or health professional.
SS_Factsheet_Getting_a_good_nights_sleep_with_your_child.docx