In Austin, a popular discussion among parents is how to help kids sleep better. It’s not always easy for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Unfortunately, poor sleep habits affect their mood, health and ability to regulate themselves. Exhausted parents try to keep it all together, but lack of sleep can wreak havoc within the household. If you need help navigating the sleep situation in your home, we can help.
It Makes “Sense”
Our 5 senses are part of a biological system that alerts the body to the world around us. Let’s use these senses to develop a healthy sleep routine and help kids sleep better.
Smell: First, creating a comfortable sleep atmosphere is priority number one. What smells help you relax? There is evidence that lavender and rose scents can calm the body and prepare it for sleep. Gather your essential oils, sprays, fresh flowers, candles and lotions and help prepare your mind and body for the night.
Sound: When kids turn the lights out and lay down to sleep, sounds from the rest of the home tend to keep them awake. If you create “white noise” with a sound machine or small fan, the distractions are eliminated. Also, fabrics can make a bedroom more peaceful by absorbing scary bedtime noises. Certain types of window treatments like drapery and honeycomb shades provide the highest level of sound protection. Adding carpet and cozy blankets help set the scene for a good night’s sleep as well. Try it!
Taste: You know your children best, what are their bedtime eating habits? Do you offer a snack before bed? What is it? Remember, you are what you eat. Make a point to limit foods that interrupt sleep and allow them healthy options that may fill their bellies and promote sleep.
Sight: Kids wake up at the slightest distraction, especially when a light pops on. Help kids sleep better by protecting their sleep environment. Create a bedroom that gets dark and stays dark. You can do this in a few ways. Some clients add drapes to cover any side gaps left exposed to prevent the “halo” effect, others rely on a new feature called LightLock. This premium shade function seals the window shade to the frame preventing light from getting in. Because many children have a hard time returning to sleep once they are awoken, room darkening in their bedroom is a priority.
Touch: When designing the perfect sleep environment for kids, their sense of touch cannot be forgotten. Comfortable bedding has a HUGE impact on helping kids sleep better. Whether it’s a favorite stuffy or tattered baby blanket, children need comfort to make them feel secure at night. Also, room temperature should be moderate; not too hot, and not too cold. Our experts find that window coverings keep the sunlight from warming up bedrooms in the afternoon. Use shades and drapes to maintain the perfect 75 degrees. Consistency is key.
The Right Window Coverings Help!
Room darkening shades may be the answer to a good night’s sleep for everyone. Help kids sleep better by using the 5 senses to create a new sleep routine. Remember, white noise, lavender scents, cozy blankets, a full belly and darkness is the key to sleeping soundly. We can help get you there, contact us for a FREE consultation and a better night sleep.
