THE IMPORTANCE OF A BEDTIME ROUTINE

We spend around a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s vital to teach kids how to do it well. A bedtime routine can be a fantastic way to create healthy sleep habits for them.

These days we know just how valuable sleep is, especially for our little ones. Up to one third of babies and young children experience sleep difficulties. It can be so upsetting to see your child struggling to fall asleep and suffering from a lack of sleep. Thankfully, there is something straightforward parents can do - set up a bedtime routine. Keep it simple and after a few nights your child will adjust and find it less difficult to sleep.

WHAT IS A BEDTIME ROUTINE?

A bedtime routine is just like any other routine. Consisting of a manageable set of tasks that you and your child work through each night, a bedtime routine will help to teach your child how to relax before trying to sleep. The nature of a routine means that your child will grow accustomed to each of the steps and this familiarity will enable them to do the routine themselves after a period of time.

THE BENEFITS OF A BEDTIME ROUTINE

For children and adults alike, having a bedtime routine brings so many benefits. Studies have shown that children with a bedtime routine fall asleep faster, wake up less throughout the night and sleep for longer. The act of consciously relaxing yourself so that you get better sleep is a great piece of self-care. Teaching your child this will give them a good example of the importance of self-care and how worthwhile it is. Quality sleep has an overwhelmingly positive impact on brain function which, in turn, will set your child up for school. They will be better able to understand the information, pay attention and cope with the various stresses of the classroom.