What should I do if my child has insomnia?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Treatment for childhood insomnia includes maintaining a quiet and dark sleeping environment. Co-sleeping with parents is not recommended, as it can make it difficult for children to fall asleep independently. Children should avoid consuming stimulating foods before bedtime, and vigorous physical exercise should be avoided close to bedtime to prevent overstimulation of the brain. Additionally, children should be discouraged from watching highly stimulating videos before sleep.
Compared with adults, children require more sleep and have longer sleep durations. Adequate sleep is critically important for children’s growth and development. Therefore, parents should pay special attention to their children’s insomnia issues. Do not assume that children cannot experience insomnia simply because they appear worry-free. In fact, childhood insomnia has many potential causes—so what should be done when a child suffers from insomnia?
What to Do When a Child Has Insomnia
Treatment strategies for childhood insomnia include maintaining a quiet, dark sleeping environment. Co-sleeping with parents is not recommended, as it may hinder the child’s ability to fall asleep independently. Children should avoid consuming stimulating foods before bedtime, and vigorous physical exercise should be avoided in the evening to prevent overactivation of the brain. Prior to sleep, children should also refrain from watching highly stimulating videos. Excessive use of electronic devices and video gaming should be limited, as these activities can cause excessive cortical excitation.
It is advisable to appropriately adjust the child’s daily routines and sleep–wake schedule. Supplementing calcium and vitamin D may be beneficial. Avoid overfeeding the child before bedtime, limit daytime napping, and refrain from engaging in stimulating activities close to bedtime. Implementing these measures can help improve sleep quality. If a child struggles to sleep well at night, drinking a warm glass of milk before bed may help—milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid known to support sleep. Soaking the feet in warm water before bed can also promote systemic blood circulation and aid relaxation and sleep.
Encourage children to maintain a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. Spicy, raw, or cold foods—especially those with strong stimulatory effects—should be avoided. We hope this information proves helpful.
