I first heard of the term "sleep hygiene" a year ago. It sounded like washing one's hands in their sleep, doesn't it? I learned that part of my lack of sleep issue was due to my poor "sleep hygiene" habits.
Is sleep an issue for you, too?I have gleaned from my "sleep therapist."
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Do you wish you could sleep like a baby? |
Most mothers of new born babies are sleep deprived. Parents wonder, "When will my baby sleep through the night?"
In the picture to the right is 10 month old Sophia. Note that she is sleeping on her tummy. Doctors now say "Back to sleep,". At a certain age when babies can roll over they roll themselves around to a comfortable position. There is no point in standing over them to make them sleep on their backs.
How much sleep we need depends on our age.
No matter the age we all need to be firm and CONSISTENT about our sleep habits.
Here is a link to Parenting about when a baby can safely sleep on its tummy and why.
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/is-my-baby-ready-to
NEW BORN or INFANTS need a total of 16-18 hours of sleep a day. Their naps may be from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
By 6 months (answer to parent's question) the baby may awaken at night,and, is capable of SELF SOOTHING him/herself back to sleep.
*HINT Put the baby in the crib when he/she is showing signs of being SLEEPY or DROWSY; NOT ASLEEP.
_ Follow the rule of placing the infant on their BACK TO SLEEP. As I said before when they start rolling over they will reposition themselves as they need to feel comfortable. So, don't worry about Sophia sleeping on her tummy at 10 months. She repositions herself all night long. It is amazing where I find her in her crib when I check on her as did my all of babies grand babies an dbabies I have cared for. they do NOT need a peice of equipment to keep them on their backs.
_ Babies and small children should sleep in their own bed/crib.
3-11 months
Need a total of 9-12 hours of night time sleep with 30 minutes to 2 hour naps 1 to 4 times per day. The need decreases as the child grows older.
*Note that separation anxiety, teething and illness can and will disrupt sleep.
_ Establish a regular bedtime.
_ Be firm and CONSISTENT with mutually happy bed time ROUTINES.
_ Encourage the child to be a SELF SOOTHER.
_ Prepare the room to be conducive to sleep.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Studies show that preschoolers that are sleep deprived tend to have the greatest amount of behavior issues including non-compliance and aggressiveness.
_ Avoid reving up before bedtime with overactive games. Instead, create a quite and peaceful routine that the child will enjoy. My suggestions are a bath with lavendar; a peaceful song and a picture book: hugs and kisses.
_ Make firmness and CONSISTENCY a top piority.
_ Allow a SAFE comfort item like a small blanket or stuffed toy. The child can cuddle it if he awakens in the middle of the night. this will signal him to go back to sleep.
_ Avoid sleeping in the parental bed. It is not safe for one thing. another thing is that it makes it more difficult to sperate from mom and dad.
_ If the child fusses after in bed don't rush int the bedroom. After a few minutes if still fussing stay quiet. this is not asocial hour. don't overstay and don't overstimulate with play. "It is night-night time. Love you." that is IF you must say anything at all. do make certain the child is not ill with a fever or vomiting etc.
_ Turn off the overhead light. turn on a small table lamp to signal that it is soon time for bed.
_ The child's bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet. That means no TV.
TO BE CONTINUED...
_ Teens are the most sleepy and tired Americans.
_ Adult sleeping habits and rountines.
_ Medical conditions that affect sleeping.
_ Foods and activies the help or affect a good night's sleep.