Question
In recent days, our child (two years old) has been waking up between 1 and 2 a.m. and is unable to fall asleep afterward, sometimes playing for 2 to 3 hours before finally sleeping. The next morning, they also wake up early. During the day, they are energetic and do not want to take a nap. When the child wakes up at night, they are unwilling to turn off the lights; otherwise, they will cry and say they are scared of the dark. However, there has been no recent scare. Concerned about the impact on the child’s health, we seek expert assistance.
Answer
Based on the description, the child’s sleep problem may be caused by calcium deficiency. It is recommended that parents supplement calcium in two ways: by taking calcium tablets or by incorporating it into their daily diet. The most common and easily absorbed calcium-rich foods include dairy products such as milk and yogurt. Moreover, dairy products are also rich in other nutrients and vitamin D, which help with calcium absorption. Yogurt not only supplements calcium but also contains beneficial probiotics that aid in regulating intestinal function. For those who do not like milk or are allergic to it, alternative foods can be consumed, such as oysters, seaweed, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, kale, and bok choy.