Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Going to bed early

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SHARED THOUGHTS -


nizar.nmh.musalmy@gmail.com


As a parent, I have had many challenges but none beats getting junior and his sister to go to bed and sleep. These children have a lot of energy that can keep them awake thinking of mischievous activities to engage in as the rest of the family goes to bed.


I usually give up and I let their mother take control.


The good news is that with effort and persistence, their mother has all the ability to change this pattern so easily. She tells me that children are flexible and thus easier to change than adults.


All she does is start by changing the child’s sleeping patterns during the day. For instance, instead of taking a nap in the late afternoon; they take it immediately after lunch.


Although it is advantageous having them take long naps during the day so one can do their household chores undisturbed, the mother of junior advises putting the child to sleep as early as possible during the day and not late in the afternoon and ensure they are up way before sundown.


One needs to adhere to this new pattern even during the weekends. In addition, a parent should return home early, to ensure that the child has an early dinner, a bath and goes to bed by 8:30 pm.


I have also observed the mother of junior creating a playtime before or after dinner, where the children get involved in stretching activities and games.


She argues that such activities tire the children, making it easier to put them to bed and also make their sleep enjoyable.


She also suggests that you could also give your child a good massage using oil to aid good sleep. One will have to realise that disciplining children to go to bed and sleep early usually causes for them to rebel and throw tantrums for some time. And this might continue for a period of time and here is where most parents give up.


The mother of junior advices not to give up. You have to Keep announcing that it is time to sleep and follow it up with going to bed.


From now onwards, the mother of junior declared, we should all follow suit and go to bed early.


“You too should also go to bed at the same time with the kids,” she told me without any hesitation.


“With time, you will get used to this routine and will start winding down early,” she added.


She went ahead to convince me saying that most people are falling short on getting the recommended eight hours of sleep per night. Many fail to log enough slumber just staying up too late or putting off bedtime in favor of other activities.


Too little sleep tends to leave people feeling short-tempered, irritable, and stressed which means that little things that might not normally be a big deal can cause you to fly off the handle.


This results in misunderstandings with those around you. Being well-rested, on the other hand, will help to recalibrate your baseline. You’ll naturally feel more optimistic, patient, and relaxed even if nothing around you has actually changed, which means you’ll have an easier time coping with all of life’s little challenges.


Compared to people who turn in early, those who go to bed very late are more likely to be overwhelmed with repetitive negative thoughts.


Sleep disruption could actually be linked to the development of pessimistic thoughts. If you go to bed early, your mind is in a better position at dealing with emotions and problem solving; the only wife that I have said clearly adding “Get your eight hours of sleep time, and the brain boost that follows will leave you feeling fresh, focused, and ready to take care of business.


The lady of the house told me that when I don’t get enough sleep, I don’t look so great. She said I look less attractive, less healthy, less approachable, and even sadder. Lack of sleep also contributes to puffy, darker eyelids, red eyes, and a paler complexion that practically screams. Just like the children, adults too should get enough sleep; as sleep helps the human body to replace tired old cells with fresh new ones leaving you feeling energetic, alert, and happy all day long.


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