Finding Sweet Slumber

Jetlagged parents and children find sleep one of the most challenging aspects of returning home after travel. Comatose parents are jolted out of sleep by the sounds of anything from night terrors to a child awakened by strange noises. This is obviously a result of children overwhelmed by an environment much different than the one they are accustomed. Sounds, smells, and language all stimulate the emotional wellbeing of a child first arriving home. This is not only overwhelming for the child but difficult for parents and other children in the family. While nothing is a cureall to sleep issues, a few tips can ease this time in your families transition.

Split sleepless nights: Couples can take shifts and divide the night. Single parents should consider finding someone for the first few days until some type of routine is established. It is most advantageous to get a block of sleep. In other words it might be easier to function the next day with a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Choose to split the night by having one parent attend to the needs of the child until 2am. Obviously, this is not feasible for some parents whose children have not attached to both parents. Try to find blocks of time during the day to nap, if you are not already back at work.

Sooth without stimulating: Many parents try playing a CD or rock. This is ill advised. Most of our children have not been rocked or soothed back to sleep. Simply sitting and allowing your child to be comforted by your presence can be an extreme help. Sleeping on the floor next to their crib or bed can also be extremely helpful. Soothing can also take place without physically picking a child up. This is most true in the case of night terrors.

Set a routine: As soon as possible begin setting a routine in your household. Obviously, this routine will become altered if parents go back to work. This will not only help your child’s transition but help them to understand, for example, bedtime comes after dinner, bathtime, and quiet play. Sleeping can also be aided by a routine which includes outdoor time when weather allows. Fresh air will allow your child to become sleepy faster.

Keep expectations realistic: If children have been seen by a doctor and there is nothing medically wrong, attempt to keep anxiety about sleep to a minimum. This is easier said than done, however the first couple of weeks are not an accurate indicator of the future.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list but will allow parents to form the basis of healthy sleep patterns.