Harvesting crops, walking to school, driving in the dark, no matter what the point in setting clocks back is, the one definite is that it will be affecting the sleep patterns of youngsters.<\/p>\n
Parents may have gained a vital hour in the day on 31 October, but more than two thirds said they find that the extra hour disturbs the hard work they have put in establishing a bedtime routine.
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\nAccording to research by Hallmark, eight out of ten parents think a regular bedtime routine is important, with 56 per cent incorporating a bedtime story.<\/p>\n
Spokesperson from The Sleep Council, Jessica Alexander says: \u201cBedtime blues, in both parents and children, can be easily avoided with such simple steps. As well as a good bedtime storybook and warm bath, parents should also ensure their child has plenty of fresh air, exercise and a healthy diet. You should also try and keep bedtime around the same time each evening- remember young children don\u2019t know when they are tired, so will try every excuse to stop you from putting them to bed!\u201d<\/p>\n
For parents full of anguish about their child’s lack of bedtime routine, the Sleep Council has put some tips together to help.<\/p>\n
Make sure your child gets the best possible access to fresh air, exercise, a healthy diet , a bedroom conducive to sleep and quiet time before bed.
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\nBed time should be around the same time each evening; if a child has an established good sleep pattern it\u2019s ok to let them stay up a little later at weekends or on special occasions.<\/p>\n
A toddler needs abut 12 hours of sleep; children aged 4-6 about 10-11 hours; \u00a0aged 6-12 around 10 hours a night, and teenagers 8-9 hours.<\/p>\n
Establish a bedtime routine \u2013 teatime, followed by quiet play, bath, story and bed would be typical. Remember, young children don\u2019t know when they are tired \u2013 they just get fractious!<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t expect your child to go straight to sleep on lights out \u2013 adults don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Ensure a quiet environment for sleep: the room should be cool, quiet and dark \u2013 and keep all those gadgets \u00a0well separated from your child\u2019s sleeping zone from day one through to teenage years \u2013 if possible, not in the bedroom at all!<\/p>\n
Make sure your child has a comfortable bed and pillows \u2013 source suitable products if your child is asthmatic or has skin allergies. A child will probably need three beds: a cot up to 18months-3 years, their first beds up to early teens and an adult bed for teen years.<\/p>\n
Stay calm, stick to your routines and seek advice if your child\u2019s not sleeping well. Don\u2019t forget, your anxiety could be picked up by them and make matters worse.
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\nFor more hints and tips about getting your child to sleep from The Sleep Council, visit: www.foreverfriends.co.uk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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