We often think of sleep problems as a symptom of old age - our backs begin to fail us and our bladders wake us at all hours - but children can also be the victims of insomnia and other sleep-related problems. The good news is, these problems are often easy to solve without a visit to a doctor.
First, invest in a good mattress for your child. Just because children can fall asleep anywhere doesn't mean they aren't affected by poor rest. Not only can a good mattress help your child right away, but it helps prevent the early onset of poor posture and chronic back pain.
Understand your child's sleep-related needs. They may be sensitive to light or sound. Sometimes, figuring out the problem is as simple as asking your child directly.
If sleep issues persist, you may be nervous about giving your child prescription sleep aids and other heavy-duty medication. Before heading to a sleep clinic, try some low-impact remedies using natural substances. Lavender oil has become a popular aromatherapy solution for people with insomnia. For kids, put a few drops of lavender oil in water and spray the solution around the child's room. You can even label it as "Anti-Monster Spray" for kids dealing with nightmares.
