Recently some parents have asked me about handling various sleep issues with children.  I like the ideas Elizabeth Pantley shares in this short article, so wanted to share it.

Kathryn Ross

By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

The lack of adequate, restful sleep can affect your child’s mood, behavior,
health, memory and growth. If there is anything standing in the way of a
good night’s sleep it’s important to address the issue and solve the problem.
Following is a list of typical sleep disrupters and possible solutions.

Nightmares
Children spend more time dreaming than adults do, so they have more
dreams—both good and bad. After a nightmare saying “It was just a dream”
doesn’t explain what they experienced – after all, most kids believe that
the tooth fairy and Big Bird are real, too. After a nightmare, offer comfort
just as you would for a tangible fear. If your child wakes with a nightmare:
• Stay with your child until she feels relaxed and ready to go to sleep, or
if she’s reluctant to have you leave, stay with her until she is actually
sleeping.
• Be calm and convey that what’s happening is normal and that all is well.
• Reassure your child that he’s safe and that it’s OK to go back to sleep.

Night Terrors
During a night terror your child will wake suddenly and may scream or cry.
Her eyes will be open, but she won’t be seeing. She may hyperventilate,
thrash around or talk incoherently. She may be sweating and flushed.
She may seem scared, but your child is not really frightened, not awake,
and not dreaming. She’s asleep, and in a zone between sleep cycles.
A child having a night terror is unaware of what’s happening, and
won’t remember the episode in the morning.

During a night terror you may try to hold your child, but often this
will result in his pushing you away or fighting you off. The best
response is a gentle pat, along with comforting words or Shhh Shhh
sounds. If your child gets out of bed, lead him back. If he’s sitting up,
guide him to lie back down. Keep an eye on him until he settles back to
sleep.

Nighttime Fears

It’s normal for a child to imagine monsters that generate a fear of the dark.
Even if you explain, and even if you assure him that he’s safe, he may still
be scared. You can reduce his fears when you:

Teach your child the difference between real and fantasy through
discussion and book-reading.
Find ways to help your child confront and overcome his fears. If
dark shadows create suspicious shapes, provide a flashlight to keep
at his bedside.  Leave soothing lullabies playing, or white noise
sounds running to fill the quiet.  Give your child one, two, or a zoo
of stuffed animals to sleep with.  Put a small pet, like a turtle or fish,
in your child’s room for company. Take a stargazing walk, build a
campfire, or have a candlelight dinner to make thedark more friendly.

Preventing Sleep Disrupters

Some things have been found to reduce the number or severity of
sleep-disturbing episodes. They are all based on good sleep practices
and worth a try:

Follow a calm, peaceful routine the hour before bedtime.
Maintain the same bed time seven days a week.
Avoid books and movies that frighten your child.
Have your child take a daily nap.
Provide your child with a light snack an hour before bedtime,
avoiding spicy food, sugar or caffeine.
Have your child use the potty just before she gets in to bed.

Is there a time to call a professional?
Always call a professional if you have concerns about your
child’s sleep.

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers (McGraw-Hill 2005)
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth