What to Do When a Child Often Cries at Night, Talks in Their Sleep, or Wanders in Dreams

Question

What should be done when a child often cries at night, talks in their sleep, or exhibits sleepwalking behavior?

Answer

Children’s sleep primarily consists of deep sleep, and the amount of sleep needed varies from newborns to adults each day. Here are some suggestions:

1. Reduce the brightness in the bedroom and living room, leaving only a small night light.
2. Say goodnight to the child together to create a cozy sleeping atmosphere.
3. Change into pajamas as a cue for bedtime.
4. Drink warm milk as part of the bedtime ritual.
5. Place a favorite toy by the child’s head to help them fall asleep.
6. Play soothing music or lullabies before bedtime and turn them off after half an hour.
7. Tell a warm bedtime story, which can be improvised and include the child in the story.
8. If the child is still excited after getting into bed, parents can sit beside them and encourage them to rest with their eyes closed.