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Challenge: Bedtime Secrets

Tips to Get Your Kids to Sleep

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If you’re a parent you know what a nightly challenge putting your kids to bed can turn out to be. Contrary to popular belief, sleeping disorders aren’t just confined to adults, even kids suffer from them. When children don’t get enough sleep, they get cranky and lethargic in the morning - not the best situation to be in when you’re a busy parent with things to do. Sleep deprivation also leads to obesity and other medical problems. Listed below are a few products that will help your child fall asleep in no time.

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Himalayan Salt Lamp or Nightlight

Since “bedtime” usually mean “lights out,” some children’s fear of the dark can prevent them from falling asleep without the lights remaining on. While nightlights and bedside lamps are great to help, try swapping out the traditional options. Switch to a Himalayan Salt night-light as the pinkish hue the light gives off doesn't confuse your brain’s sense of time like regular bulbs and can help your child fall into a deep sleep.

A Comfy Mattress

The type of bed your child sleeps on can greatly affect the comfort and quality of their sleep. Make sure your child has the best chances of being well rested in the morning by getting them a comfortable mattress. Luckily there are plenty of affordably options online like this twin mattress from NECTAR that comes with two free pillows.

Soothing Sounds Mix

White noise and nature sounds can help calm the brain down to fall asleep. Download the Sleepy Sounds app on iTunes or Google Play for a variety of soothing sounds from thunderstorms and waterfalls to music box lullabies that can help soothe your child into a slumber.

Alarm Clock

Once the morning comes your child may have trouble getting up for the day. Alarm clocks like this one from OK to Wake! are great reminders to help your child get up on time and get ready for school. Knowing they no longer have the option to sleep in will make them want to get to bed on time at night.

Aromatherapy

Lavender oil is known to help promote calmness and relaxation. While your child may not want to drink a warm cup of lavender tea before bed, you can achieve the same results with oils or a pillow spray.

Sleepytime Tea

If your child is a tea-drinker, Sleepytime tea can help your child wind down with soothing herbs, chamomile, spearmint and lemongrass. Celestial Seasonings makes a great one to try.

A Good Book

Many kids fall asleep with their phones or TVs on, staring into LED lights. The blue light that comes off LED lights suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep deeply. An hour before bedtime, trade your child’s electronics for a book and have them read themselves to sleep. Here is a list from Omnivoracious, The Amazon Book Review, to help you pick the best book based on your child’s age.

The Bottom Line

Putting your kids to sleep is no child’s play, it requires a little cajoling, coaxing and compromise. Hopefully by incorporating a few of these products into your child’s room and routine parents can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

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