Parents Sleep Better When Their Kids Do

Written by Peter C.

There’s nothing quite as good as a good night’s sleep. Consistent sleeping habits are one of the most important aspects of good health, including heart health, sugar metabolism and weight maintenance. But for parents, getting a full eight hours can be elusive, especially when their children are young.

A Sleepjunkie study found that parents of newborns slept less and were more sleep-deprived than people without children. It also showed that new parents fall short of sleep by around 3 hours every night in their child’s first year.

Sleeping Habits for Your Newborn

Many parents of newborns want to rock their babies to sleep. However, this might become a habit, and babies learn to wait until they are in their parents’ arms to nod off. Therefore, it is a good idea to set a good routine to prevent babies from turning this into a habit.

It’s important for parents to model good sleep habits for their children, including going to bed, waking up consistently and avoiding screens in the bedroom. However, according to a study by Stanford Children’s Health, it takes at least three months before babies start to sleep consistently 6–8 hours at night.

Your Toddler’s Sleeping Patterns

Once babies start to get older, it is essential to set a consistent sleeping routine and environment. It is also essential to understand that kids are still learning to communicate their needs during this stage, so read the signs as they communicate when they become tired. This is where you get a sense of how much rest they need.

Single parents may have a more difficult time ensuring their toddlers get enough sleep, as they may not have someone to help with bedtime or overnight waking. Single parents should set aside time for themselves to ensure they are rested, as this will help them be able to care for their children better.

Once a toddler starts to move out of their crib, it is essential to transition them into a bed. This may be done during their first sleepover, which will help them feel more comfortable in the process. It is also important to ensure they get enough sleep and that their bedtime routine does not change too much from what they are used to being in the crib.

How to Get Your Older Kids to Sleep Better

Some older kids are not always the best sleepers, but there are ways to get them to sleep better:

• Establishing a routine will help them know when they need to go to bed and when they should wake up.
• Create a relaxing environment: kids must have a comfortable environment before going to bed, so make sure their room is dark and quiet. Put some soft music on or read them a story before going to sleep.
• Set an earlier bedtime: if your child has trouble falling asleep, try setting an earlier bedtime so they can get enough sleep.
• Put away electronics at least an hour before bedtime, as screen time can make it harder to fall asleep.
• Try to get your kids some exercise during the day, as physical activity can help improve sleep quality.

A Parting Reminder

It’s no secret that kids can be a handful. They’re always full of energy and never seem to want to go to bed when you want them to. But, what many parents don’t realize is that their babies’ sleeping habits can significantly impact their own sleep patterns.

So, if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it might be worth looking into your child’s sleeping habits. There’s a good chance that improving their sleep will help you get the rest you need, too.

With healthy sleep habits, both parents and children can enjoy the benefits of a good night’s rest. So, if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it may be worth trying to help your kids get a better night’s sleep, too. This way, both you and your baby will feel better during the day.