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Sleep disorder is a very common symptom particularly between 9 months and 3 years. This week, Dr Anne Buk-Serero tells us a method to solve this problem and finally get a good night sleep.
Progressive method: behavioural technique
- Goal: reduce separation anxiety at bedtime.
- Objective: your child should sleep alone.
- Approach: benevolent firmness.
- Why? The child should learn to sleep alone because the same problem will reoccur if they wake in the middle of the night.
Your role as a parent:
- The bedtime routine should be quick, under 10 minutes long.
- You should visit your child in their room, rather than them coming into your bedroom.
- When he/she calls you, wait a short time before going; do not go immediately.
- Do not stay until your child falls asleep; your child should be able to fall asleep without you there.
- Encourage your child to make use of a security/cuddly blanket.
- Avoid using food or drink as a comforter, like a bottle of milk or water.
Step-by-step
- Put your child to bed in their room and in their bed, not in your room or bed.
- Encourage the use of a security/cuddly blanket.
- Remove your hands.
- Don’t rock your child.
- Read or tell a story, sitting on a chair beside the child’s bed.
- Exit the room imperatively.
- If the child calls, check briefly (10 to 15 seconds), using the guidelines below. A sequence is made up of 5 visits:
- Allow the child to calm down without taking them in your arms and removing them from their bed.
- If the child has not calmed down after a sequence, use a neutral room (living room, dining room) to calm them, stay beside them without rocking or taking them into your arms.
- Once the child is quiet, put them to bed and start a new sequence.
Avoid letting your child come into your bedroom or your bed once you have started their bedtime routine!
Keep a sleep diary for 14 days to monitor their progress!
If sleep disorders persist, book an appointment with a general practitioner. You can learn more and book with Dr Anne Buk-Serero herself here: https://www.meditsimple.com/practitioners/dr-anne-buk-serero/310152
Because we are so (MEDit)simple, we will never let you down.
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