Putting a child to bed and getting them to sleep can be a herculean task. That is because bedtime is not something that a lot of children like, even if their eyes are drooping. Many are prone to whine, protest, and delay going to bed. They often have a thousand reasons why it is not the best time to go to bed.
If you have a hard time getting your little one to bed every night, this post is for you. The first step is to evaluate your child’s bedroom. The sleeping environment often influences the ability of children, even adults, to sleep.
You need to review the physical and emotional ambiance you have created in your child’s bedroom. Is the ambiance sleep supportive and calm enough? From mounting blackout custom curtains to controlling room temperature, here are some helpful tips for creating a calming sleep environment for your child.
- De-Clutter the Bedroom for a Better Sleeping Environment
While it is normal for kids to play with their toys during the day and scatter them around in the room, you should have them put the toys away before sleep time. Having a de-cluttered sleeping space generally has a calming effect. It helps your child to ease into slumber without much fuss.
You must encourage your children to pick up their toys after them to instill good habits into them. When you do this, you also establish some order around your home. So, instead of waiting until bedtime to pick toys around, encourage your kids to store away the toys after playing.
- Choose the Right Bed and Bedding
A good night’s sleep starts with the availability of a good bed. You will find different children-friendly bed styles that you can explore. You may want to include your child in the selection process to give them a sense of ownership.
If your child likes their bed, there is a high chance that they will want to sleep on it without much fuss. Ensure that you choose a high-quality mattress that is comfortable and supports your child’s growing bones. Additionally, get the right bedding to create an inviting and comfortable sleeping environment.
Control the Room Temperature
According to studies, room temperature has a remarkable effect on the ability of an individual to get a good night’s sleep. Experts recommend that the room should be cool to about 65 degrees to aid good sleep, reaching this temperature might be difficult depending on where you live for the much-needed afternoon naps. Blackout custom window treatments will play a huge role in trying to bridge that gap. Studies also reveal that the internal body temperature of an individual slightly fluctuates all through the day and dips slightly at night.
When the temperature is too cool or warm in the room, it affects the natural sleep cycle of the body, which often causes restlessness and early morning waking. Therefore, it is recommended to use blackout window treatments that will control the temperature in your child’s bedroom to the right level.
- Get the Right Lighting
The right lighting sets the right mood. Therefore, getting the perfect lighting for your child’s bedroom is essential. The whole idea is to create a comfortable and relaxing environment. When you create an inviting, relaxing, and comfortable environment for your child, it will be easy to put them to sleep. They will be more willing to retire to bed and even happy to do so.
Regardless of what window dressings you opt for – whether tailored curtains or custom roman shades – consider lining them with blackout lining to control the light. Like most children, your child may like to have some light in the bedroom while sleeping. You can get a nightlight or a controlled bedside lamp to provide minimal light.
Try not to give in to the request for extra light because it will have a counter effect on the natural rhythm that triggers sleep. Darkness helps the pineal gland in the brain to release the melatonin hormone, which controls sleep. When you expose your children to light during bedtime, you disrupt the process and slow down melatonin release.
- Introduce Calming Scents
Some children will still find it difficult to go to bed even with the right bed, de-cluttered room, and controlled night. If your child falls into this category, it may be a good idea to introduce aromatherapy to lure them to sleep. You can choose a calming aroma like lavender, which promotes relaxation.
Conclusion
Bedtime should be a peaceful and calm experience for kids. As parents, it is crucial to make their bedrooms sleep-friendly and help them develop the right mindset toward their bedtime, and sleep. It is not a good idea to use bedtime as a form of punishment for the misbehavior of children.
Doing so may create a negative feeling toward bedtime for your children. You can incorporate some relaxing and calming activities into their bedtime routines, such as listening to relaxing music or reading.
