Helping Children Sleep Better: Tips, Tools, and Support
Getting a child to sleep can be one of the most stressful parts of parenthood. Many parents struggle with bedtime battles, frequent night waking, or children who just seem unable to switch off. Poor sleep doesn’t just affect your child - it affects the whole family, leaving everyone tired and irritable.
Common Sleep Issues in Children
Children can experience a variety of sleep challenges, including:
Difficulty falling asleep
Night wakings or trouble staying asleep
Bedtime anxiety or fear
Resistance to going to bed
These issues are often caused by a combination of factors such as changes in routine, overstimulation before bed, anxiety, or developmental sleep patterns. Addressing them requires both understanding and practical strategies.
Strategies to Support Better Sleep
Simple changes can make a big difference:
Consistent bedtime routine: A predictable sequence of activities helps signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.
Limit screen time before bed: Blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
Create a calm sleep environment: Keep bedrooms dark, quiet, and cool, and use comforting items like a favourite soft toy or blanket.
Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, gentle storytelling, or guided relaxation can help children settle.
Understanding Children’s Sleep Challenges
Sleep difficulties are surprisingly common in children. Research shows that up to 30% of children experience problems with falling asleep or staying asleep, and many struggle with bedtime resistance, night waking, or early morning waking. Poor sleep can have a significant impact on a child’s mood, attention, learning, and behaviour. Establishing healthy sleep habits early is crucial, as chronic sleep deprivation in childhood can affect emotional regulation, academic performance, and overall wellbeing.
Superhero Sleep on YouTube
We have a fun and engaging Superhero Sleep Session on YouTube, where children can follow guided relaxation adventures designed to make bedtime enjoyable and stress-free. Your child can imagine themselves as a sleepy superhero, learning to relax their body and mind while drifting into a deep, restorative sleep. It’s a great tool for children who need extra encouragement at bedtime. You can check it out here.
1:1 Sleep Support at Our Practice
Sometimes children need personalised support to overcome sleep difficulties. At our practice, we offer 1:1 sessions where we work with both the child and parent to address sleep challenges, establish effective routines, and build lasting strategies for better rest. Our gentle, evidence-based approach helps children feel safe, calm, and confident at bedtime.
Final Thoughts
Children’s sleep issues are common, but they don’t have to rule your nights. With consistent routines, calming techniques, and the right support - from sleep hypnosis to personalised sessions - you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits that benefit the whole family.
