Friday, February 23, 2007

Shhhhhh!

How many hours of sleep is your child getting? Failure to get enough sleep can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and problems learning. Children under 3 years of age should sleep about 12 hours a night with a one hour nap during the day. Older children will sleep around 10 hours a night. I know it's sometimes easier to give in to unhealthy sleeping habits. Sleep deprivation can really wear you down, but the sooner you can establish healthy sleep patterns the better. Here are a few tips to remember:
  • Activities leading up to bedtime should be calm and quiet.
  • Establish a nightly bedtime routine so your child will know what to expect.
  • Avoid using DVDs or the TV to help your child fall asleep.
  • Dim the lights and any household noise to signal it is time for sleep.
  • Try to help your child learn to self sooth and relax.

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