Natural Ways to Keep Your Kid Asleep

Natural remedies are available that help children sleep throughout the night.

Children and teenagers may have trouble sleeping for any number of reasons. While the amount of sleep for children differ, it is important that they receive an adequate amount of sleep in order to be fresh and ready for school each morning. Children at any age should not take any prescribed sleep medication; however, natural remedies are available that can help and keep them asleep throughout the night.

Sound Machine

A sound machine is a devise that is designed to produce sounds in order to help children sleep. Sounds may replicate trees blowing in the wind, rain, ocean waves or a rushing waterfall. The purpose of this natural sleep aid is to help children avoid nighttime distractions and get into a routine before bed. These soothing and natural sounds may help reduce anxiety in children and make it easier to fall asleep.

Snack

According to the Mayo Clinic, another natural remedy for sleep is to have a snack before bed time. While warm milk before bed is an old wives tale, eating carbohydrates before bedtime may help and keep children asleep throughout the night. The ''New York Times'' writes that a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that eating carbohydrates may stimulate the release of insulin, which allows tryptophan to enter the brain; tryptophan is a sleep-inducing amino acid.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is another natural remedy that can help children and babies sleep. While it's not recommended for children to ingest lavender at such a young age, the aroma may provide some comfort and help them sleep. Placing two drops of lavender oil on a tissue near a child may help slow the nervous system, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Lavender scented lotions made specifically for children are available by multiple manufacturers as well and can be found in most supermarkets and grocery stores.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates a person's sleep cycle. This hormone is produced more when it's dark outside, and an article in the ''USA Today'' writes that melatonin supplement is safe for children as long as it's under three milligrams. The National Institute of Health writes that the supplement melatonin is also an effective sleep remedy for children with autism or other central nervous system disorders.

References

• B-Calmsound: Products
• New York Times: The Claim: A Glass of Warm Milk Will Help You Get to Sleep at Night; ANAHAD O'CONNOR; 2007
• Mayo Clinic: Foods That Help You Sleep
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender Oil
• USA Today: Kids tucked in with a dose of melatonin; Phil Galewitz; 2008
• National Institute of Health: Drug Info