Bedtime and Sleep Habits

Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for parents, that is! Often at the end of a long day all you want is a little peace and time for yourself. After all, you have probably devoted the entire to the service of children in some form.

Whether it is putting bread on the table or being gainfully employed in an unpaid position as housekeeper and cook, you deserve a break.

Come on, kids, be reasonable!

But children do not always see bed-time from a parent's perspective. They often dispute calls for bed and complain loudly that it is too early.

None of the other kids at school go to bed at 8 o'clock, Mum. "It's not fair." is the sort of line that is used in thousands of homes each night.

Others procrastinate with toilet-time, last minute drinks and detailed arrangements of teddies so that bed-time stretches by half an hour before parents realise what is happening.

Some parents are plagued by jack-in-the-boxes who reappear as soon as the bedroom light is turned off while others have night-callers who keep parents busy with comments such as: "I can't get to sleep."

If bed-time presents difficulties in your home try the following ideas at kids' bed-time so that you can maximise the time you have for yourself and your partner.

Decide on a time with your child then stick to it. There are no hard and fast rules about appropriate bed-times for children. However they should suit both parent and child. Discuss appropriate bed-times with children. Some youngsters fail to see that sleep is a biological need. They see it as something imposed on them by parents. I am constantly amazed how reasonable children can be when they have had the chance to participate in the decision-making process.

Establish a bed-time routine well in advance that signals the end of the day. A known routine such as quiet time, drink, toilet and story lets children know what is expected of them and enables them to plan accordingly.

Reduce over-stimulation before bed-time by ensuring children are engaged in passive activities such as homework, reading or watching television.

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Are You Getting Too Much Sleep?

 I've slept too much. Are you serious? Nowadays, such a thing doesn't exist, does it? There is seldom time to get enough sleep, much less too much, in the fast-paced world of today.

Yet, if you sleep eight hours or more each night but still wake up feeling less than refreshed, you probably slept too much. Not more sleep, but better sleep, is what you need.

We are able to wake up feeling rejuvenated and energized, prepared to take on the day. Also, it enables us to sleep for less hours, giving us more time to pursue our interests.

Many people believe they need more sleep because they feel exhausted all day or droop in the middle of the afternoon.

It's untrue!

Many people think they need to get more sleep in order to "catch up" since they may have had a few late nights. Likewise untrue

A prolonged period of sleep can harm your circadian rhythm. Your 24-hour "clock" is known as the circadian rhythm, and it is managed by the central nervous system. 

This clock modifies body temperature by a few degrees to indicate when we are getting drowsy. We experience sleepiness when our body temperature is decreased. 

On the other hand, when it is high, we feel attentive and aware.

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To Better key to Sleep

 Do you have difficulties sleeping well at night?

Your future health could significantly change as a result of what you are about to read! Our welfare depends on getting enough sleep, which is also a vital factor in leading an active lifestyle.

Here are a few advantages of getting a good night's sleep:

You'll feel and look your best.

- Getting enough sleep will make it simpler to relate to others.

- You'll drive more safely and are less likely to doze off behind the wheel.

Increased attention and creativity at work will be a significant benefit.

You'll experience less stress.

- The ability to fend off disease will improve.

- You'll have more fun in life.

The following suggestions will help you sleep better at night:

1. Establish a body clock

Determine how many hours of sleep you require, then choose a nighttime plan and make an effort to keep with it. We are all creatures of habit, which explains why.

Avoid going to bed too early too often because this can mess with your biological clock. If you're worn out, consider taking a quick nap. But, it shouldn't go on for more than a half-hour since if it does, you might have trouble falling asleep that night.

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