Naturopathic Solutions For Kids Who Can’t Sleep

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Sleep is important for everyone, but especially for your children.

It plays a vital role in supporting their body’s growth and development.

If you notice that your child needs frequent naps, has a decreased appetite or difficulty focusing, then there’s a good chance that they might need more sleep.

Some other signs may include irritability, or difficulty waking them up in the morning.

A pediatric naturopathic doctor is a great resource to consider helping your child get their sleep cycle on track.

I’m Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, naturopathic doctor, and in today’s article, we’re going to talk about kids who can’t sleep.

Why Is Sleep So Important?

You almost certainly already know some of what happens when you can’t sleep.

It can result in your feeling agitated, moody, and sluggish, and having difficulty focusing.

It can also lead to digestive issues, immune system issues, and an increased risk of obesity, anxiety, and depression.

The list goes on, and it’s true for children as well.

But when kids can’t sleep, it can lead to a general family disruption.

After all, it can be difficult for the rest of you to sleep if one of your kids can’t.

On the positive side, though, there are plenty of benefits to kids getting enough sleep.

Some of these benefits include:

Improved growth hormone production
Healthy weight management
Better protein production to support strengthened immune systems
Decreased risk of stress and injury
Stronger memory and motor skills
Heightened concentration, problem solving, and creative thinking

Why Do Kids Have Trouble Sleeping

There are many reasons why your children could have trouble sleeping.

Often, it is a blend of reasons, rather than one in particular.

Keep reading to see some of the most common causes that can affect your child’s rest.

1. They’re Overstimulated

Being overstimulated is an easy way to have trouble falling asleep.

Just like us, if your child has caffeine or sugar too close to their sleep time, it can make it difficult for them to fall asleep.

Screen time is another thing that can cause overstimulation right before bedtime or nap time.

2. They’re Stressed Or Anxious

Stress and anxiety can make it harder for your child to fall asleep.

Just like in adults, it can cause overthinking and keep their minds working even while their body is tired.

Anything from a big test to a schoolyard bully are things that could be stressing your child and triggering their sympathetic nervous system to ruminate on.

Your sympathetic nervous system is often called your “flight or fight response”, and can cause sleeping trouble if it is not regulated.

This can be an even bigger challenge if your child has ADHD or is autistic.

3. Their Circadian Rhythm Is Disrupted

Your circadian rhythm is sort of like your internal body clock that helps you wake up and go to sleep.

These cycles of sleep and wakefulness ensure that your body gets enough sleep to grow and repair.

If your child’s circadian rhythm is disrupted, this can also lead to sleep challenges.

This is because disruptions interrupt your child’s brain stimulation and brain development, which helps to support your child’s learning and memory.

It’s important to set a consistent bedtime routine in order to support your child’s circadian rhythm.

4. They Have ADHD

If your child has ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder, it can be harder for them to get to sleep at an appropriate time.

Their brain may have challenges slowing down due to brain differences that characterise the condition.

This is because ADHD makes it harder for your child to regulate their brain’s centres of arousal and alertness, which also regulates sleep, in addition to attention.

5. Other Possible Causes

This list is not exhaustive.

Some other causes that could make it harder for your child to sleep include:

Lack of physical exercise
Sleeping or breathing disorders
Medical prescriptions
Underlying health issues

How To Help Your Child Sleep, Naturally

We hinted here and there on general rules to improve your child’s sleep.

But now, we’re going to highlight five ways to help regulate your child’s sleep, naturally.

1. Establish A Proper Bedtime Routine

Establishing a proper and consistent bedtime routine is one of the most important ways that you can help regulate your child’s sleeping schedule.

You’ll want to focus on consistency, like going to bed at the same time, and avoiding stimulants like sugar, screen time, and caffeine.

You can also build a structured routine that incorporates teeth brushing, reading, and self soothing with your child’s favourite blanket or stuffed animal.

You may even consider pushing the start of their bedtime routine earlier in order to make time for each part.

2. Drink Chamomile Tea Before Bed

Incorporating chamomile tea into your child’s bedtime routine is a good idea to help them sleep.

It has been shown to help improve your quality of sleep and strengthen your immune system.

3. Use Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is a very relaxing smell and can help your child really settle in for sleep.

As long as your child likes lavender, consider adding a spritz or two of organic lavender essential oil on their pillowcase or in a diffuser.

In aromatherapy, lavender is often used to calm the nervous system and promote a restful sleep.

If your child has asthma or another respiratory condition, though, make sure to speak with your naturopathic doctor first.

As well, it’s a good idea to avoid applying any essential oil directly to their skin.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is a great option to consider for helping your child improve their sleep.

It’s an essential nutrient that has a calming effect on the nervous system, which is how it can help with quality of sleep.

Just make sure to get the right kind of magnesium because it is also used as a laxative and comes in many different forms.

Magnesium glycinate is easy to absorb and has the least laxative effect, which can be helpful if your child has a sensitive digestive system.

Your naturopathic doctor can help recommend the best version for your child.

From a dietary perspective, you can find magnesium in:

Almonds
Avocados
Black beans
Brown rice
Cashews
Chia seeds
Edamame
Halibut
Peanut butter
Pumpkin seeds
Salmon
Spinach

5. Stay Active During The Day

Finally, it’s important to keep your child active during the day.

Get them involved in different activities or play to help tire them out, which will make it easier for them to fall asleep at night.

Daytime exercise can also support their circadian rhythm, and is generally a very healthy thing for them to do.

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, Today

These are great general solutions for helping your child get better sleep.

But if it’s still not clicking, there may be a deeper reason.

I’m Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, and I’m here to help.

I’ll work to uncover the source of your child’s sleepless nights, and put together a treatment plan to address it.

Book your appointment with Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, today.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic

Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.