Schedules can go out the window in the summer.
 
It can be freeing and fun, but a relaxed schedule and longer daylight can have negative effects on your child’s sleep - and as we all know - a child’s sleep affects the whole family. So how are you going to keep the sleep this summer?
 
1. Find the balance.
Days affect nights and nights affect days. All the events of our days are processed by our brains in 4-5 cycles every night, each with distinct stages that fulfill critical physiological and neurological functions
Know your child’s limits when it comes to daily activities (screen time, social events, play time), and keep their sensory stimulation balanced during the day so they can have a restful night.
 
2. Limit light before bed.
Ultimately, light (whether it’s the early morning sun or that screen you watch before you fall asleep) tells our bodies to wake up. That means our bodies suppress melatonin production (a hormone which cues our bodies to go to sleep). Try putting screens to bed one hour before your child lies down to give his/her brain time to slow down.
 
3. Eat healthy.
Hey, we all do it. It’s so easy to eat convenient food while we’re on the run in the summer. Children with SPD can be picky eaters as well. The key is to be sure we’re limiting sugars and getting enough protein and water throughout the day to maintain proper nutrition levels.
 
4. Keep a routine where you can.
Let’s remember that most children thrive in a structured environment:
 
·         Wake up at the same time every morning
·         Eat meals on the same schedule each day.
·         Plan the next day with your child at night so you both know what to expect tomorrow.
·         Maintain a consistent bedtime.
 
5. Try a sleep intervention.
Find the sleep aid that best fits your needs.
The Dreampad improves your entire day by helping you relax and sleep better at night. It’s more than a pillow, it prompts your body’s relaxation response by converting specially-treated music into gentle vibrations only you can hear. It’s safe, drug free, backed by research, and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Receive 10% off and free shipping with the code SPDSleep through the month of May.

Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) is a STAR Institute partner and developer of the Dreampad. 

iLs integrates music, movement and language exercises for the purpose of improving brain function. iLs programs are designed to be fun, and may be used on their own or in conjunction with other methods.