Sleep difficulties in children

Sleep has many functions and benefits and plays an important part in a child’s overall development. Whilst most people believe sleep is just a form of rest and topping up our energy levels, it does in fact have far more of an important role.

Whilst we sleep, our brain processes all the things it has taken in that day and stores it into short term and long-term memory. It is at this point it discards anything that is irrelevant.

During the deeper stages of sleep the pituitary gland releases Somatotrophin (our growth hormone) which promotes growth, metabolism and also supports the body’s natural repair function by encouraging cell reproduction. Whilst sleeping, there is a natural increase in the flow of blood around the body meaning that more oxygen is carried to the tissues and muscles to aid recovery.

Some things that can effect a child's ability to sleep include:

• Sleep environment: A warm, safe, comfortable bed promotes a good night's sleep. If there are too many distractions, too much or too little light, the room is too hot or too cold, this may affect sleep.

• Diet: As adults we are aware that too much caffeine affects sleep and this is the same for children. Excessive sugar can also adversely affect sleep. Children who are hungry struggle to sleep.
   
• Routine: Children sleep best with a regular bedtime routine. A period of time before sleep to calm down and reducing the number of distractions and stimulations promotes a good night's sleep.
   
• Screen time: Screen time isn’t just stimulating for children, the light that screens emit has a direct negative effect on sleep. Ideally children shouldn’t sleep with a phone or tablet in their room.
   
• Environmental factors: Some things can’t be controlled, such as noisy neighbours, but thinking about what else is making noise in your home (e.g. TV sounds from elsewhere in the house) can help to improve a child’s sleep. This doesn’t mean you need to be silent, but avoiding loud, sudden or unexpected noises can help.