Do Bedtime Routines Really Matter?

What’s all the fuss about?

Well believe it or not a good consistent bedtime routine can make all the difference to help optimise your child's sleep potential.

Sleep Cues

Children and babies need sleep cues or sleep triggers to prepare their bodies for sleep and surprisingly adults need them too. Each night before bed adults will follow a simple set of sleep cues without even knowing it; for example, most like to take a shower, watch some TV, read a book or make a hot drink.  Without these we would find it difficult to settle for bed; after all, we are creatures of habit.

This of course applies to babies and children too.  You wouldn’t expect a toddler who has been running around outside to suddenly be expected to settle for bed. By taking your child through a regular bedtime routine by giving them a set of sleep cues each night will help regulate their body clock and enable them to pick up on the cues for sleep. It doesn’t however mean that your whole day has to be routine- focused; not at all, as long as the last half hour of your day remains consistent and calm then everything else should fall into place.

Getting the timing right

The timing of your bedtime routine is fundamental to having a stress free end to the day. Ideally keep the routine no longer than 45 minutes, with 30 minutes being ample. If you start getting your child ready for bed too early the routine can lose focus. This often happens if your child’s routine does not take place in their bedroom or in a consistent place. If your child is allowed back into the living area to play or watch TV it can often hype them up and then break the bedtime spell. 

Routine recipe

A bath is a lovely relaxing way to signal the end of the day and will allow your child the opportunity to wind down.  Head straight to the bedroom once bath time is over and for younger babies a simple massage before bed is often helpful. For younger babies this may only last a few minutes as the bath will have been a tiring experience and they may not tolerate it for long. Once your child is in their pyjamas you can enjoy a story and a cuddle; even babies as young as six months can enjoy looking at a picture book before their final feed. For older children be mindful of how many stories you read and stick to the same amount each night, otherwise you may fall into the trap of listening to the plea of ‘just one more story’. 

Once your child is snuggled down in bed give them a cuddle and a kiss and try and leave the room while they are still awake. Try not to wait or stay in their room until asleep as this can lead to your child always expecting you to be there and may cause extra wakes overnight and future sleep challenges.

Setting the scene

Creating the right sleep environment will help your child feel settled and secure in a familiar environment. It’s worthwhile making sure the room is well ventilated at night and the temperature kept around 19 degrees. Avoid over heating your child at bedtime and keep bed clothes and bedding to a minimum.   During the summer months it may be worthwhile using a black out blind across the window to prevent early morning waking and this should help to extend their sleep time.

Contrary to common assumption it is far healthier for children and babies to sleep in total darkness as too much light in their room can interfere with their natural sleep rhythm and production of Melatonin. If you are still night feeding then a very dim glow plug- in light should be adequate. So many night lights these days are too stimulating and bright; a good guide if using one is to make sure it's dark enough that you can't read text from a book or see your child's face from the doorway.  

For younger babies playing white noise at bedtime can help them to familiarise with their bedtime routine and help lock in positive sleep associations. Babies are particularly sensitive to sound and are able to interpret and distinguish what each sound signifies.  Even babies as young as 10 weeks old upon hearing the bath water running will kick their legs vigorously in anticipation.

TV/ screen time before bed

Television and in particular screen time before bed can have a huge influence on your child’s ability to fall into a deep natural sleep rhythm. Researchers from Seattle University have found that persistent exposure to TV, computer games and devices just before bed can cause the brain to become ‘amped up’ thus preventing the child from being able to wind down. Also, more importantly, children who have computer screens and televisions in their bedrooms are more likely to disrupt their natural production of melatonin (a naturally occurring hormone involved in the sleep-wake cycle) as the constant flickering glare of the screen can interfere with this. 

Exercise before bed

Although exercise is vital for your child’s physical and emotional wellbeing, too close to bedtime can restrict your child’s ability to fall asleep. That’s why rough and tumbles with dad just before bedtime is a no no.

To use exercise as an antidote for sleep and for it to be beneficial it’s best undertaken 2-3 hours before bedtime. The best suggested forms of exercise at this time which raises the body temperature effectively are: swimming, cycling, trampolining, running or any other activity that causes breathlessness.  The body temperature needs to start falling just before bed because this decrease in temperature appears to be the trigger that helps ease your child into sleep. Try it with your child and you will be amazed at the difference!

Conclusion

Whatever type of family you are, big or small, a bedtime routine can be the one thing that can bring peace and harmony to the end of a busy day. It’s the predictable and consistent nature of it that helps to make your child feel safe and secure.