How To Overcome Insomnia In Children | JBCN Education
Erratic sleep habits seem to be synonymous with the ‘trendy’ lifestyle amongst the young children, especially the teenagers. Blame it on their unplanned schedule, frequent attendance to parties/gatherings extending quite late in the night, watching TV series and movies at sleepovers with friends and relatives, the list is endless. The concept of sleepover is quite paradoxical in itself. Except sleep nothing is over! And then to make matters worse, binging on fast food and aerated or caffeinated drinks simply result in insomnia in children. Another glaring phenomenon is excessive amount of time spent watching TV or for that matter, the company of our so-called inseparable mate, the smart phone and other electronic gadgets.

A recent report sent panic waves amongst the people how young children are growing ‘skull-horns’ or how bone spurs are caused due to the continuous forward tilt of the heads. Well, this is a cause-effect nexus which has catapulted to a vicious cycle of various physical, mental, emotional, psychological and social disorders. Needless to mention there has been a serious evidence of rising cultural decadence stemming out of acute frustration right in the nucleus – the home front. Appallingly, in more than 65% of the cases, young children feel an inexplicable void in terms of communication with actual human beings in their home circle, given the fact that both the parents are out for work and have very less time to spend with their wards. So, what’s the alternative? To keep the children busy with gadgets which eventually lead them to a quagmire of all the non-necessities in life, enough to take away their night’s sleep.

Early To Bed, Early To Rise; Makes A Man Healthy, Wealthy And Wise.

Early To Bed
When asked at what time the children generally hit the sack everyday, the chorus response was quite alarming – 12 am or 1am. On probing further, what keeps them awake till the next day (technically), a second dart hit me in the form of replies like chatting with friends, playing on their PSPs, late dinner, or simply having problem sleeping as it had become a habit for them. My question is – what or who makes this a habit? Ideally, one should eat dinner at about 7:30pm and by 9:30pm young children should retire to bed giving their bodies enough time to recover and get prepared for the next day. A sound sleep of 7-8 hours is what is prescribed and ought to be practised. But we need someone to monitor this. And who is better than the guardians or parents at home? It is really sad to see tired faces at school in the first hour of the day; each one struggling to even carry the weight of their own bags; struggling to walk up just two flights to their classrooms; struggling to stand straight with a bright energetic smile during the morning assembly; struggling to sit straight with an undivided attention or without a trace of somnolence during the lectures. In addition to this, regular cases of children keeping medically unfit, either due to an indigestion, IBS, headache, acidity or other gastro problems, is a clarion call to look into one’s daily habits and alter them to rebuild one’s immunity and health. Watch out for what you include in your regular diet. Are there sufficient green items? Do you enough fibrous material to supplement your daily intake? Does your food intake have high nutrient value and rich in anti-oxidants? Have you kept fried and junk out of your plate? If there is no proper routine then you can see insomnia in children.

A Sane Mind Resides In A Sane Body.

Children are young fertile minds and are the future of the society. It would certainly not be an impressive idea to see the edifice of fertility and youth crumbling into a debris of shame and regret. When your inner self is cleansed and calmed, it will get reflected on the exterior and then all round holistic development is inevitable. It is a good habit to go for a gentle walk after supper or read a book, preferably a physical copy and not on Kindle or any digital device or simply meditate by listening to some soft instrumentals and soothing music which will calm the nerves down and not excite them to palpitation and aggression. The age-old practice of reading bed time stories by the honeyed voice of the grandmother or mother should be revived. In this context, I would like to strongly suggest that children should not be left alone to sleep separately. Let them sleep with the parents. The feeling of protection and warmth of one’s parents will never make a child go astray and will reduce the problem of insomnia in problem. Life’s most important lessons begin at home with children only emulating what they grow up seeing, thereby, making it their beliefs, which eventually, become facts for them.

Discipline is the key. A life without any discipline is a rudderless ship, totally disoriented and useless. Many a times, we come across children and adults shirking the gravity of this context by saying that it is okay now and that when they grow up they will learn on their own and things will be fine. Really? Believe me, things will never be fine. People who believe otherwise are living in a world of illusion and false hopes. Even the most skilled potter cannot reshape the pot that has already been baked and sculpted with some fundamental flaws.

Mr. Abhinandan Bhattacharya,
CAIE and IBDP English Language and Literature Facilitator,
MISA Resource Person,
JBCN International School, Oshiwara

FAQs

  • What are the common causes of insomnia in children?

    Common causes include poor sleep hygiene, such as irregular sleep schedules and late-night screen time. Stress and anxiety related to schoolwork, social pressures, or family issues can also contribute. Dietary factors, like consuming caffeine, sugary drinks, or late-night meals, can interfere with sleep. Lack of physical activity during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night. In some cases, underlying medical conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome may be the cause. Finally, excessive use of electronic devices before bedtime is a major contributor to sleep problems.

  • Parents can look for several signs that might indicate their child is experiencing insomnia. These include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are also common signs. Children with insomnia may experience mood swings and behavioral problems. Physical signs like dark circles under the eyes can also be an indicator. Increased impulsivity or hyperactivity, and frequent headaches or stomachaches can also be associated with lack of sleep.

  • Several strategies can be effective in helping children overcome insomnia. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, is crucial. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, reading a book, or engaging in other quiet activities, can signal to the child that it’s time to sleep. Ensuring a comfortable sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool is also important. Limiting screen time before bed is essential, as the blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Encouraging regular physical activity during the day, but not too close to bedtime, can also promote better sleep. Avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks, especially in the evening, is another helpful strategy. Promoting healthy eating habits overall contributes to better sleep.

  • Parents should consider seeking medical advice if sleep problems persist for more than a few weeks. If the child experiences significant daytime impairment due to lack of sleep, such as difficulty concentrating in school or changes in behavior, it’s important to consult a doctor. If parents suspect underlying medical conditions may be contributing to the sleep issues, medical evaluation is necessary. Finally, if home-based strategies to improve sleep are ineffective, seeking professional guidance is recommended.

  • Schools can play a role in supporting children struggling with insomnia. They can educate students and parents about the importance of sleep hygiene. Creating a supportive and understanding classroom environment can help reduce stress and anxiety that might contribute to sleep problems. Providing opportunities for physical activity during the school day can also be beneficial. Schools can work with parents to address sleep issues at home and offer resources and referrals to healthcare professionals if necessary.