Most parents would agree that bedtime can be a struggle, especially with young children! Whether they're fighting you every step of the way or simply dragging their feet, it can be hard to get them into bed when you want them to be there.
But with a little planning and incorporating these tips into their bedtime routine, you’ll find it much easier to get your little ones down for the night.
How Caffeine Is Impacting Your Child’s Sleep.
A lot of people think that good sleep hygiene is all about the last hour of the day, but in fact, it starts during the day, especially in reference to food and drink.
Unfortunately, many parents unwittingly sabotage their child’s bedtime routine by giving their children fizzy drinks such as cola, lemonade or other energy drinks during the day.
The sugar in these drinks can lead to hyperactivity and make it difficult for children to fall asleep. In addition, the caffeine in fizzy drinks not only makes it difficult for children to unwind before bed but also reduces their sleep duration.
So to avoid bedtime battles, it's best to generally eliminate sugary drinks from your child’s diet.
Eating Dinner Before Bed: Good or Bad?
Eating a large meal before bed can impact a child's sleep in several ways. Here are a few reasons why:
- It can cause indigestion and heartburn, making it difficult to fall asleep.
- The body will be working hard to digest the food, which can lead to restless sleep.
- Finally, eating late at night can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to wake up in the morning.
So if you’re looking to have less of a struggle at bedtime then it might be best to not let your child eat anything after their mealtime unless it’s something light and easily digestible.
The night cookie is the perfect snack for kids to have after dinner and not just because it will help fill any post-dinner hunger pangs. This bedtime snack is also packed with 7 natural sleep-inducing ingredients that can help your sleep fall asleep quicker and soundly through the night.
To learn how this delicious cookie works, read our blog, ‘The Science Behind The Night Cookie: How Its 7 Sleep-Inducing Ingredients Help You Sleep’.
Why Exercise Can Help Your Child Feel Sleepy At Night.
Children may have difficulty in falling asleep if they have been inactive throughout the day.
Burning off that excess energy helps your child to feel tired at the end of the day. This is because their muscles are tired so the brain makes them feel sleepy in order to relax them. So where possible try to encourage them to play some sports or play outside.
If your child isn’t sporty, even going for a walk in the fresh air can be helpful. A word of warning though - exercise should be avoided directly before bedtime, as the increase in body temperature and heart rate can leave your child energised as opposed to sleepy.
Follow These Tips And Get Your Child To Bed On Time (Without Any Tears)
It can be a real challenge to get your kids to bed especially after a long day of school and play. But by introducing some exercise, cutting out caffeinated drinks and avoiding heavy late-night meals, bedtime will be a lot easier.
The night cookie is an all-natural snack that kids not only love the taste of but it also helps them to relax before bed! Made with chamomile and tart cherries, the night cookie is a tasty treat that will have your kids nodding off in no time.
