Kids’ sleep needs change as they grow. It may look like they don’t need as much sleep as they did as toddlers, but they still need plenty of rest. Kids’ sleeping duration varies with different ages. For instance, 6- to 13-year-old kids need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep. 3- to 5-year-old preschool and kindergarten kids need as much as 10-13 hours of shut-eye. The exact amount depends on a child’s individual sleep needs.
Toddlers have sleep problems. Preschoolers have lots of things to catch their attention. This causes them to fight over going to bed and stops them from getting enough sleep. At the same time, it becomes more important and a need that they get enough rest.
Children’s sleeping problems have many bad effects. They cause attention and behaviour problems. The child will do poorly in school and have a higher risk of weight gain. They will even have a weaker immune system. So, let’s find out what restricts you kids from having a sound sleep.
Top 7 Reasons That Interfere with Your Kid’s Sleep
Here are the top most common reasons why your child may not get a good night’s sleep:
- Electronic devices
- Abrupt transition to bed
- Inconsistent bedtime
- Lack of bedtime routine
- Caffeine
- Being Overtired
- Medical or psychological cause
New electronic devices call for your child’s attention. TV, cell phones, and video games are the culprits. Statistics show that even young children use them.
These devices also make it more likely that people will ignore each other to stare at their screens. They can also interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. This preschooler’s sleeping problem is a big concern for parents. Because of electronic devices, they don’t get enough sleep to be alert and focused in school.
It is hard for anyone, a child or an adult, to suddenly go from awake to asleep. This is true that a bedtime routine helps the transition. Preschool kids or younger kids need some time for transitions.
If you don’t give your kids some time to wind up, chances are there that after they head to bed, they won’t be able to fall asleep right away. So, kids’ sleep problems can be fixed by giving them time to go from awake to asleep.
Another child’s sleeping problem is expecting them to go to bed at a particular time tonight and then at a very different time the next night. For instance, some parents might allow a school-age child to stay up late to watch a movie or text friends on weekends. They then expect the child to go to bed earlier on a school night without a problem.
However, inconsistent sleeping will only lead to kids being more tired the next day and not being able to fall asleep at their regular bedtime. Thus, don’t stray from regular bedtimes and ensure your child routinely gets sleep from 9 to 12 hours of sleep. This is a way to avoid your child’s sleeping problems and make sure that your child gets the sleep he/she needs.
If your child faces child sleeping problems, it’s time to take a look at their nighttime routine. A good nightly routine is followed by a nightly ritual. It involves a relaxing warm bath, soft lights and music, and a nice book. The ritual is key to your kid’s sleep. It signals to kids that it’s time to wind down and relax.
And, the more often you do it, the more likely it is that your child will get used to the routine and fall asleep easily.
Another culprit that may be a cause of hindrance to your kid’s sleep is present in their diet. And that is Caffeine. Your child’s late-day snack or after-dinner dessert often has chocolate. It might be a chocolate chip cookie or chocolate milk. If so, your child may be having sleep problems. This is because chocolate contains caffeine. Other hidden sources of caffeine include bottled fruity teas, energy drinks, sports drinks, etc.
If you find your child more energised and hyper then sleepy at night, that doesn’t mean they are active or more energised and must go to sleep. Rather it may be a sign that they are overtired and need more sleep. And you probably will find this behaviour prominently among toddlers when they are in serious need of a nap.
In this scenario, it’s good to break those good bedtime routines and get them ready for bed.
Also, medical conditions can affect a child’s sleep. These include sleep disorders, allergies, and respiratory problems. You must address these issues with a healthcare professional. This is essential for promoting healthy sleep habits.
Many things can hurt a kid’s sleep. They harm their well-being and development. One big factor is irregular bedtime routines or inconsistent sleep schedules. They can disrupt the body’s internal clock and lead to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. Also, noisy, bright, or uncomfortable sleeping conditions can hinder a child’s rest. Also, stress, anxiety, or bedtime fears can add to bedtime resistance and awakenings. Additionally, the use of electronic devices before bedtime, exposure to stimulating content, or the consumption of caffeine can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle and interfere with quality sleep.
Overall, identifying and addressing the factors that interfere with a kid’s sleeping is crucial for ensuring they get the rest they need for optimal growth, development, and overall well-being.
At Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, we provide your kids with a healthy learning environment to foster holistic development in them. For admission-related queries, contact us today.
