How to help a child go to sleep – design choices that will make bedtime easier

At the end of a long day, when you’ve packed the kids off to bed and you’re finally curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and your bae/dog/cat to watch telly, the last thing you want to see is the living room door being pushed open by a wide-awake child.

How to sleep better is a question we all have to face at some time in our lives. With children, it’s one you’ll have to answer for them – for their and your own wellbeing. If it’s an issue you’re struggling with, Lisa Artis, sleep expert and deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity can reassure you: ‘Facing challenges with your child’s sleep can be frustrating, but there are many ways you can prevent or improve sleep issues. One simple step is to look at your child’s bedroom. It plays an essential part in getting a good night’s sleep.’

 ‘Creating an environment conducive to sleep involves thoughtful design choices that cater to the senses and promote relaxation,’ says Lisa. So when you’re looking for kids’ bedroom ideas, always bear the following principles in mind…

1. Lower the lights and ban screens

Lisa Artis continues, ‘Use dimmable lights or lamps with warm bulbs to create a gentle transition from day to night. Avoid bright, harsh lighting close to bedtime.

‘Make bedrooms a no-screen zone so that they’re not tempted to watch TV. The blue light emitted slows down the production of melatonin (the sleepy hormone), making it harder for them to go to sleep.’

Paediatric sleep practitioner Tabitha Moynagh adds, ‘Safeguard that lovely, peaceful haven for your children and keep screens out!’ 

2. Fit blackout blinds or curtains

Take steps to make the room darker for better sleep. ‘Light can disrupt sleep,’ explains Lisa. ‘Installing blackout curtains or blinds can help to create a dark, sleep-friendly environment, especially in the lighter months when the days are brighter and longer.’

Tabitha Moynagh says, ‘A darkened room signals to the brain that it is sleep time, not awake time. If a bedroom is too light and the child can pick out shapes and toys in their room, they are more likely to be distracted or tempted to get out of bed to play rather than fall asleep. Out of sight, out of mind!’ 

3. Keep the room cool

Tabitha Moynagh advises, ‘For babies, 18-20˚C is recommended as the safest sleep temperature. For other ages, 16-18˚C is ideal. If we are too hot, we will struggle to fall or stay asleep because it can suppress melatonin production.’

Check your tog rating, too:  ‘Ensure bedding is appropriate according to the seasons and the temperature in your home. For example, draughty old buildings with single glazing might require a higher-tog duvet than an efficiently insulated new-build home. Use common sense and follow safe sleep advice for babies from Lullabytrust.org.uk.’ 

4. Check the mattress

Lisa Artis asks, ‘Is your child’s mattress comfy? Does it still fit their needs, or have they outgrown it? Your little ones don’t stay little for long, so it’s important to regularly check that the mattress is still suitable.’

Do your research to find the best mattress, making sure your child tries it before you buy. 

5. Choose natural-fibre bedding

Tabitha Moynagh advises, ‘Avoid synthetic fabrics which can make it harder to regulate body temperature and increase sweating. Those who struggle with being too hot find bamboo sheets are ideal.’

If your child has sensory issues around texture, she suggests, ‘Give your child some autonomy in their pyjama choices and notice what they are drawn to and what they avoid in other environments and see what you can translate into bedding. For example, fluffy or silky, smooth textures. 

'However, please don’t give your child a weighted blanket to sleep under,' Tabitha warns. 'They are not safe for this use. They can be wonderful for snuggling under when your child needs help calming down or soothing, or just to feel cosy when reading or watching TV, but they should not be slept under unless advised by a qualified occupational therapist.’

6. Declutter regularly

In 2015, a study at St Lawrence University in New York found that a cluttered bedroom goes hand in hand with a poor night’s sleep. Lisa Artis says, ‘This can be a tough one to keep on top of, but a tidy room can contribute to a peaceful mind. Keep toys and distractions out of sight at bedtime, particularly those associated with active play.’

Tabitha Moynagh adds, ‘Ideally, toys should be kept in another room or out of sight at bedtime. For older children and teens, it’s nice to be able to hide away homework and laptops, etc, so they can associate the room with calm and rest rather than school and homework.’

Try turning decluttering into a game kids will enjoy by using the scavenger hunt method.

7. Decorate with calm colours

Tabitha advises, ‘Avoid overstimulating designs. For example, bright colours and lots of pictures or posters might be too alerting. Ask yourself, is this room conducive to calm, rest and sleep, or is it a hub of playful themes and favourite cartoon characters? Children don’t need themed rooms to sleep well.’

For the walls, consider colours that support sleep. Karen Haller, colour and design psychology expert, and author of bestseller The Little Book of Colour recommends, ‘Go for soft, low saturated colours for a child’s bedroom as a child’s energy is sensitive and so is their response to colour. This will help to prepare your child for a peaceful, restorative night’s sleep. My top three colours using the principles of colour psychology are as follows:

• Soft light blue – soothes and calms the mind, reducing mental activity, overthinking and aids in a deeper and more restorative sleep.
• Soft light green – helps the body to transition smoothly into sleep for a restorative, peaceful night sleep and waking up feeling refreshed and ready for play.
• Soft pink – supports children by physically soothing which helps to reduce restlessness, sleeplessness and waking during the night. Soft pink is like being wrapped in a cuddle.’

Karen Haller

Karen Haller graduated from the Sydney School of Fashion and the Australian School of Colour and Design. She went on to study applied colour psychology and child psychology before founding her business, Karen Haller Colour & Design, more than 17 years ago. Now a leading international authority in applied colour psychology, she is a consultant and trainer heading colour campaigns for prestigious global brands. She is also the author of The Little Book of Colour.

8. Minimise noise

Tabitha Moynah says, ‘Use soft surfaces to absorb sound, such as curtains, rugs and upholstered wall panels. Consider double glazing or window insulation. In the winter, children are sometimes woken early in the morning by the sound of central heating turning on. If you notice this happening, consider delaying the heating or time it to come on earlier in the night instead. If you’re concerned about unwanted noise in your living environment, you can mask it with a white noise machine. Follow the guidelines for safe use, though.’

FAQs

 Why is my five- year-old having trouble sleeping? 

Lisa Artis says, ‘Children at this age can have trouble sleeping for various reasons, ranging from developmental changes to environmental factors. Here are some potential causes:

• Separation anxiety: Five-year-olds often experience fear of being away from parents, which can make bedtime challenging.
• Overstimulation: Activities and screen time close to bedtime can overstimulate their brains, making it hard to wind down.
• Inconsistent routine: Irregular sleep schedules can disrupt their internal clocks. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. We recommend starting around an hour before bedtime and could include having a light snack, doing calming activities such as drawing and jigsaw puzzles, a warm bath, PJs on, and into bed for storytime.
• Nightmares: At this age, children begin to develop vivid imaginations, which can lead to nightmares and nighttime awakenings. This is normal and it’s important to offer your child comfort and reassurance.
• Sugar: Avoid sugary snacks and drinks a couple of hours before bed. If your child is hungry, some great sleepy foods include bananas, cherries, wholewheat cereals and wholemeal toast.

 How do I help my 10 year old to sleep? 

‘Establish a routine. A consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even at weekends, can help regulate their sleep patterns,' recommends Lisa. ‘Encourage screen-free time at least an hour before bedtime. Exposure to screens before bed can interfere with melatonin production.'

Children will also benefit from bedtime rituals, ‘create a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual. Activities like reading, taking a bath, or practising relaxation techniques can signal to their body that it’s time to sleep,' says Lisa.

Lisa also says to ‘encourage physical activity during the day. This can promote better sleep at night. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.'

She does point out that anxiety and stress could be effecting sleep in 10 year olds. 'School and social pressures can impact sleep. Create a supportive environment where they can talk about their worries,' she recommends.

If you don't manage to help your little one to get to sleep tonight, try some of these tips and be kind to yourself as it might take a few days for a new routine to sink in and become effective.