Today I’m sharing some tips to help your children sleep better in the summer. The summer months are full of fun and crazy antics for children. As much as the daytime activities may tire them out, it’s very common for children to struggle to sleep in the evenings.
This is due to a number of things, but the most common issue that prevents sleep from descending upon our little ones is the heat of summer, combined with the long hours of daylight.
Longer days and warmer temperatures can disrupt sleep routines, leaving both kids and parents feeling tired and restless, but worry not!
Today, I’ve got five fantastic tips to share with you that will help your children sleep better and ensure they have peaceful nights of sleep throughout the summer months.
Create a Cool and Dark Sleeping Environment
During the summer, the sun stays up for longer, which is why it’s crucial for you to create a cool and dark sleeping environment for your children.
Often children will argue that it can’t possibly be bedtime as “it’s still light outside!” – this is why I suggest investing in blackout blinds or curtains that will block out all the sunlight from your children’s bedrooms.
Having a dark environment signals to your kids that it’s time to start winding down and getting ready for sleep.
Keeping these curtains or blinds shut during the day will also help to keep heat out of their bedrooms.
If it still gets too warm, you could consider adding an oscillating fan to their room in order to keep them cool during the night.
A cool and dark sleeping environment will really help your children sleep better in the Summer, and to be honest this helps all year round if you are struggling with sleep problems in kids.
Related: How to Deal with Bedtime Fears
Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Maintaining a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine is key to helping children wind down and drift off to sleep.
During the summer months, some children on their school holidays may become grouchy and restless due to later bedtimes and interrupted sleep. Therefore remaining consistent with your children’s bedtime is a great way to keep their body clocks in check, and help your children sleep better.
Make a bedtime routine that helps your child to wind down and include activities like reading a bedtime story, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music. Keeping the consistency going will signal to your children’s bodies that it’s time to unwind and get ready for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Summer often brings more outdoor activities and longer daylight hours, but it’s important to set boundaries when it comes to screen time before bed.
The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Establish a screen-free zone at least an hour before bedtime, encouraging activities like reading, storytelling, or engaging in quiet play to help kids wind down naturally.
This is a great way to help your children sleep better at any time of the year, not just during Summer.
Adjust Bedtime According to Daylight
In the summer, it’s natural for children to resist going to bed when it’s still light outside. Adjust their bedtime gradually to align with the changing daylight.
A dim nightlight can help ease any fears of the dark and provide a soothing environment for kids to fall asleep.
Remember, consistency is key, so stick to the adjusted bedtime routine even on weekends to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
A 9pm weekend bedtime will potentially mean you struggle to get them into bed at 7pm on a weekday, so don’t adjust it too far until school’s out, or you could fail completely in your mission to help your children sleep better.
Choose Breathable Bedding and Sleepwear
Just like the struggle that adults suffer from during the summer, children also suffer on hot summer nights as it can be difficult for them to stay cool and comfortable while sleeping.
To help your little ones out, opt for lightweight and breathable bedding materials like cotton or bamboo sheets as these allow for better airflow and moisture absorption.
Dress them in loose-fitting and lightweight pyjamas that are made from natural fabrics to help them stay cool and cosy throughout the night.
Comfortable PJs really can make all the difference when it comes to promoting a restful night of sleep. This is a great way to help your children sleep better at any time of the year.
Final Thoughts On How To Help Your Children Sleep Better In The Summer Months
With these top tips up your sleeve, you will be well-equipped to handle the sleep-related challenges that most parents are faced with during the summer months.
Remember that when looking at ways to help your children sleep better, the trick is to keep your children as cool as possible and to provide them with a dark, cool bedroom. It’s also hugely beneficial to stick to a consistent bedtime routine, even during the weekends and school summer holidays.
Related: Fruits to help your baby sleep
This guest post was written by Tina over at MotherGeek – She’s been sharing her family’s adventures for over 12 years, so there’s loads to catch up on!