Tag: Why Kid Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and noticed that your kid still hasn’t fallen asleep? While this will likely happen every now and then, it is cause for concern when it starts becoming a pattern. Children need about 9-11 hours of sleep, much more than an adult’s typical 7-9, so finding ways to sleep better is crucial to their health. 

This can only be done, however, once you find out the root cause of your child’s insomnia. If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, then see if it’s any of these usual suspects: 

Too many screens 

From our TVs to our cellphones, we are surrounded by digital screens. While many of these devices are necessary for our everyday lives, too much exposure can disrupt our sleep. Blue light (the light that all digital devices emit) has been found to disrupt our levels of melatonin—a hormone that regulates our body’s circadian rhythm. In other words, having your child stare at screens just before bedtime can cause them to feel more alert, making it harder for them to fall asleep.  

No bedtime routine 

A bedtime routine gives our mind a chance to wind down and acts as a signal to our bodies that it’s time to go to sleep. Without these cues, it could take your child a long time to finally settle down and get to bed. A few ways to solve this is to give them a consistent bedtime and to make sure they do the same things each night before bed (brushing their teeth, reading a book, etc.). 

A bedroom that’s inconducive to sleep 

If your child’s bedroom is messy or too bright, it will make it harder for them to fall asleep. Additionally, an uncomfortable bed and electronic devices (see above) can also keep them up. Make your child’s bedroom a relaxing place where they can unwind after a long day. You can do this by providing a comfy bed, black-out curtains, and even a stuffed animal to help them sleep. 

At The Zoo Factory, we believe every person could benefit from sleeping with a beloved stuffed animal. Check out all of our cuddly stuffable animals that are sure to help your child get a better night’s rest today!