Natural Sleep Support for Kids

One of the best ways you can support your child’s healthy development is to ensure that they are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. According to Johns Hopkins, children who don’t get enough sleep may struggle to learn at school, are more likely to have behavior problems, and are at a higher risk for diabetes and childhood obesity.

There are many ways you can provide natural sleep support for kids, and the team at Professional Supplement Center has information you can easily implement right away.

Sleep Needs by Age 

No two kids are alike, but pediatricians generally agree that sleep needs change with age. Here’s an overview of how much sleep your child needs each night.

Babies and Toddlers

You already know that newborns need a lot of sleep. In fact, from birth to three months, babies need between 14-17 hours each day, and until their first birthday, babies need 12-16 hours a day. Toddlers, aged one to two years, still need 11-14 hours a day, including overnights and naps.

School-Aged Children

From ages two to five, preschoolers need between 10 and 13 hours a day (including naps), while elementary kids need 9-12 hours of sleep each night. Even though it’s tempting to let upper elementary kids skimp on sleep, you will likely notice behavior changes on nights when they fall below eight hours.

Tweens and Teens

Although they will try and convince you otherwise, your tweens and teens also need a good night’s rest, roughly 8-10 hours each night. If boundaries regarding nighttime phone usage aren’t clear, adolescents often stay up far later than is beneficial.

Healthy Habits for Happier Bedtimes 

There are several habits you can implement to provide natural sleep support for kids. To start, keep your nightly routine and bedtime consistent and try to incorporate a calming bath into the mix. Additionally, some report that spending quality time with parents or caregivers gives children a sense of closeness and calm as the separation of sleep approaches.

Eliminate screens for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from phones, iPads and television will stimulate your child’s brain and prevent them from falling asleep easily.

If your child is struggling to sleep, try to identify the issue and understand the root cause. They may be acting out because they need more togetherness throughout the day or there could be an underlying source that your pediatrician can help you identify.

Supplements Provide Natural Sleep Support for Kids

If you’re looking for a little extra bedtime support, Professional Supplement Center has a few products that may help.

No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids

Perfect for kids over the age of two, No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids is a homeopathic sleep support especially formulated for children. These quick-dissolving tablets have a lightly sweet banana flavor that kids enjoy taking.

Valerian Super Calm by Herbs for Kids

Valerian root has been used across the world for years to support healthy sleep, and it may reduce the amount of time it takes for children to fall asleep. Valerian Super Calm from Herbs for Kids is a pediatric formulation that may provide healthy sleep in kids. It can be taken directly or mixed with a liquid and the packaging provides clear, age-specific dosing instructions.

FAQs

Is melatonin safe for kids?

While research on long-term melatonin use in children has not found any significant side effects, some studies indicate that melatonin could cause some adverse effects. It’s important to talk to your child’s pediatrician before giving your child melatonin, as they can provide the best insight and support.

Why does screen use before bed affect my child’s sleep?

Screens — from smartphones, tablets, and other devices — emit blue light, which actually disrupts the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone our bodies produce naturally to signal that it’s time to sleep.

Should kids who are struggling to sleep try to sleep in on the weekends?

It sounds counterintuitive, but generally speaking, no. While catching up on sleep on the weekend every once in a while is okay, part of establishing good sleep hygiene is having a consistent routine, which includes waking up around the same time every day–even on weekends.