If you're like most parents - you're tired of sleepless nights. But as a weary mom or dad, what can you do about kiddos who keep you up at night?
Dr. John Herman, a UT Southwestern sleep disorders specialist at Children's, offers a few tips that should help everyone in your house get the Zzzs they need.
Dr. Herman says it's important to start good sleep habits from day one. As sweet as they look drifting off to dreamland in your arms, don't rock a baby to sleep. Instead put him in his crib when he's getting sleepy. It's important that he not associate being held or rocked with falling asleep.
How about that ornery toddler who would rather use his crib as a nighttime jungle gym than a bed? Dr. Herman jumps to the defense and says most 2-year-old babies are more anxious than ornery. If your little monkey is consistently climbing out of his crib, Dr. Herman says to consider what may be causing the anxiety - is he afraid of the dark? Is a noise bothering him? Try to fix the cause of the problem instead of the effect.
Sleep problems may suggest an underlying medical condition. So, if you notice your child snoring or gasping for air, talk with your healthcare provider. You should also alert your doc to kids who are sleepy in school or those who consistently have trouble falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning. If necessary, your primary care physician may refer your child to a sleep disorders center. Children's has two centers that are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine - one at the downtown campus, and one in Plano near the Children's Legacy campus.
Here's hoping for restful nights that turn in to bright-eyed and bushytailed mornings! Sleep tight.
Dr. John Herman, a UT Southwestern sleep disorders specialist at Children's, offers a few tips that should help everyone in your house get the Zzzs they need.
Dr. Herman says it's important to start good sleep habits from day one. As sweet as they look drifting off to dreamland in your arms, don't rock a baby to sleep. Instead put him in his crib when he's getting sleepy. It's important that he not associate being held or rocked with falling asleep.
How about that ornery toddler who would rather use his crib as a nighttime jungle gym than a bed? Dr. Herman jumps to the defense and says most 2-year-old babies are more anxious than ornery. If your little monkey is consistently climbing out of his crib, Dr. Herman says to consider what may be causing the anxiety - is he afraid of the dark? Is a noise bothering him? Try to fix the cause of the problem instead of the effect.
Sleep problems may suggest an underlying medical condition. So, if you notice your child snoring or gasping for air, talk with your healthcare provider. You should also alert your doc to kids who are sleepy in school or those who consistently have trouble falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning. If necessary, your primary care physician may refer your child to a sleep disorders center. Children's has two centers that are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine - one at the downtown campus, and one in Plano near the Children's Legacy campus.
Here's hoping for restful nights that turn in to bright-eyed and bushytailed mornings! Sleep tight.
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