Did you know that if you offer your child naps and bedtime at the right time, your child will accept sleep easier! This is what we call Catching the Sleep Wave!
At about 16 weeks of age(adjusted), your child’s circadian rhythms start to develop. With the development of the circadian rhythms, they will begin to respond to the effects of light and dark. A hormone called melatonin will peak during certain times. This is where we can begin to catch the sleep wave. If you can catch those times of the day, you will see your child accept sleep easier and your child will get more restorative sleep.
Here are some tips to catch the sleep wave
- Make sure your child is having the correct amount of age appropriate naps each day.
- A consistent schedule matched with sleep cues, can help support the sleep wave.
- A consistent sleep routine for all naps and bedtime. When you begin the familiar sleep routine your child’s body will begin to relax and prepare for sleep.
- Making sure the room is completely dark. Darkness tells the body it is time to sleep and light tells the body it is time to be awake. Darkness will support the natural productions of melatonin.
- Keep away from blue light an hour before a sleep cycle. Blue light can delay the production for up to an hour.
How do you know if you missed the sleep wave?
If you miss the sleep wave you will be attempting to put an overtired child to sleep. When a child goes into an overtired state instead of working with the hormone melatonin, your child will produce another hormone. The hormone that is produced in an overtired state is called cortisol. This hormone actually stimulates the mind and body and keeps your child in an awake state. Children in an overtired state may run around in circles, have meltdowns, fight any attempt at going to sleep, and/or take a long time to fall asleep.
You don’t have to be a surfer with a board to catch the wave. But there is something we can learn from a surfer on what to do when a wave begins to break. A surfer perfects the skill with practice, patience and consistency!
If you need help catching the wave, email me at [email protected] to find out how I can help!
