Dealing with Children Waking Up at Night to Play

Question

How should one handle a child frequently waking up at night to play?

Answer

If a child frequently wakes up at night to play, it may be related to excessive daytime sleep leading to reduced nighttime sleep, or due to calcium deficiency causing increased nervous system excitability. Parents are advised to control their child’s daytime sleep schedule and engage them in appropriate activities. It’s not advisable for children to go to bed too early, with a suggested bedtime around 9 PM. Additionally, consider supplementing the child with calcium and vitamin D. Furthermore, cultivating good sleep habits is essential; avoid late nights and late mornings, and ensure moderate daytime naps. Before bedtime, you can let the child drink some milk, which has a calming effect and can help promote sleep and improve sleep quality.