Question
My child is 3 years old, and every night he refuses to go to bed quietly. Even though he looks tired, when I put him in bed, he doesn’t want to lie down and sleep as if he is resisting sleeping. I want to know what’s going on? Previously, we took him for a check-up and the doctor said he had some anemia and calcium deficiency. Even though we let him wear a lot of clothes, his hands are still cold. We have been seeing a dermatologist for the past three months and have been applying ointment regularly, I wonder if this might indirectly affect his sleep issues?
Answer
A child who refuses to sleep at night may be due to neurosis, which is usually caused by a disorder of the vegetative nervous system. This condition can lead to insomnia, vivid dreams, and poor sleep quality, even after waking up feeling as if one hasn’t rested enough. This may be related to emotional distress, excessive stress, or overwork. It is recommended that you help your child establish a regular sleep schedule, maintain a good sleeping environment, and avoid consuming caffeine and other stimulating substances before bedtime. At the same time, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude and avoid exposing your child to things that make them feel uneasy. You may consider giving your child a course of ginseng and a tranquilizing brain tonic which may help improve sleep quality.