CHILDREN’S SLEEP PROBLEMS – SLEEP TRAINING

What is the importance of sleep for children?

Sleep is crucial for the physical and intellectual development of children. Scientific studies have shown that after regulating sleep of a child, there is an increase in school success and concentration, and a decrease in attention deficits. A sleep-deprived baby is unhappy and restless throughout the day, unable to enjoy any activity and unable to concentrate.

Sleep problems not only affect the child but also the rest of the family, it disrupts their quality of life. To take care of your children, you must first take care of yourself. If you establish a regular sleep schedule for your baby, you will elevate life quality of whole family.

What problems arise in children with chronic sleep problems?

  • Accidents and injuries
  • Behavioral problems
  • Concentration and attention deficits
  • Cranky, unhappy baby
  • Decrease in school success
  • Slower reaction times

How common are sleep problems in children?

Sleep problems are observed in 25% of children aged 1-5, and these problems do not necessarily subside as the child grows. Studies have shown that 84% of babies with sleep problems continue to have this problem after the age of 3. Therefore, it is better not to delay to solve the problem. The earlier you start sleep training, the easier and faster the progress.

How much sleep do they need?

  • Newborns: 16-18 hours
  • 9 months to 2-3 years: 10-12 hours at night (uninterrupted) and 2-3 hours during the day
  • 1-4 years: 12-14 hours in total
  • 5-10 years: Require 10-11 hours of night sleep

What are the symptoms of sleep problems?

  • Difficulty of falling asleep
  • Frequent crying and waking up at night
  • Drowsiness and restlessness during the day

When should you start to make a sleep schedule?

In the first three months after birth, babies sleep and wake up irregularly. Sleep durations and hours are variable. After six weeks, they become aware of day and night, and their night sleep becomes more regular. By the fourth month, the brain gets more mature, so you can set up a sleep schedule.

Is there an easy way to build up a sleep routine ?

When building up a sleep schedule, the magical word is “routine.” Children love routine. If you make up regular bedtime and wake-up times, as well as meal times, your child will be much happier, more confident, and less troublesome.

Create a sleep routine! This routine should include same things done at the same time every day, depending on your child’s age. For example:

Giving a bath-wearing sleepsuit-feeding-lullaby-sleep

Drinking milk-brushing teeth-putting on pajamas-reading a book-sleep

The secret is not what you do but spending a special time with your child that he enjoys, and helps to calm down him. As in every aspect of parenting, consistency and regularity are the keys to success.

Timing is crucial. Pay attention to “sleep cues.” Yawning, rubbing eyes, pulling ears or hair, restlessness, crying  are signs of sleep. Observe these signs and put your child to sleep as soon as you notice these. If you delay, your baby may become too tired, that makes him harder to fall asleep.

What are the key points for regulating sleep?

  • Pay attention to sleep cues.
  • Timing is crucial!
  • Ensure that the child sleeps in the same room and same bed at night and day.
  • The room should be dark and quiet.
  • Establish a sleep routine and stick to it.
  • Set a specific waking and sleeping time. This time should not differ by more than ½-1 hour on weekdays or weekends.
  • For a good night’s sleep, daytime naps should be appropriate and regular for the child’s age.
  • Put the child to bed when she is drowsy but not fully asleep. This way, she will learn to fall back to sleep by herself when she wakes up.

For preschool children:

  • Put them to bed at the same time every night.
  • Establish a sleep routine and explain it to your child, better to do it with visualization.
  • If they ask for something after going to bed (water, milk, a kiss, etc.), give it only once. If they ask it again, do not fall into this trap.
  • Playing “I can’t fall asleep game” can be effective in some cases.

How do you approach patients with sleep problems?

Sleep problems are observed in one out of four children, especially in the first 0-2 years. It disrupts the life quality of whole family as a serious problem. Therefore, during well-baby follow ups I inquire about his sleep routine along with nutrition and development, informing the family on this matter. First, I inquire whether there is an underlying illness that may cause sleep disorders such as colic, constipation, food allergies, or urinary tract infections. If there is no underlying disease then I make a sleep schedule and give sleep training.

Dr. Gülben EFES