When children sleep better, parents get more rest too. Unfortunately, getting your little one to achieve six to eight hours of uninterrupted slumber isn’t always easy. The good news is you can use several tactics to enhance your child’s quality and quantity of sleep. From looking into different mattresses to establishing a healthy bedtime routine, here are some tips to try.

5 Ways to Promote Better Sleep for Your Child

1. Minimize Screen Use

The more time children spend looking at screens before bed, the worse their sleep is because the blue light from devices disrupts melatonin, a hormone essential to regulating the body’s sleep/wake cycle. Limit screen time during the day, and keep devices away for at least two hours before bed.

2. Select the Right Bedtime

The ideal bedtime is roughly two hours after melatonin spikes, which is when sleepiness typically manifests. For example, melatonin may peak around 7:30 in toddlers. Yet many children are put to sleep long before the surge even takes place, which can be counterproductive.

3. Create a Soothing Routine

Giving your child a warm bath can raise their body temperature, which helps increase melatonin. Consider incorporating a bath into their bedtime routine paired with other soothing activities, such as reading a book.

4. Establish the Perfect Sleep Environment

A comfortable environment is important for facilitating sleep. Whether your child is tossing and turning on an old mattress or fighting to stay awake because they’re afraid of the dark, many factors about a sleep space can be distressing.

Invest in a high-quality children’s mattress to promote optimal comfort. Allow them to sleep with a red night light, which won’t affect melatonin as much as other colors, and keep the room cool for soothing slumber.

5. Try Relaxation Techniques

Strictly enforcing bedtime may cause your little one’s anxiety to peak. Instead, focus more on relaxation than rules. Calm your child by having them talk about their day or voice any concerns they have. You can also practice mindful breathing techniques together to help your child relax.

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your child’s sleep environment, look to Flexa Furniture Hawaii for all of your needs. Located in Honolulu, this manufacturer provides a range of children’s furnishings created in Denmark that evolve with your child as they grow. Explore their mattresses, beds, and other bedroom set items online, or call (808) 955-4434 for more information about their quality children’s furniture.