Two psychologists at the University of Wuerzburg in Germany have developed sleep training aimed at helping insomniac children and adolescents to fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night without waking. Bed position and evening activities play key roles.
The bed should not be placed too close to a desk because a desk is a reminder of schoolwork, the psychologists said. Refraining from computer games and television viewing in the evening can also help to improve sleep, they pointed out, as can regular bedtimes.
The second component of the training programme involves breathing techniques and fantasy trips, which teach children to relax and "power down." For young children, a stuffed animal can be used. Parents can tell their children that the toy will protect them and help them to be alone in the dark. This bolsters the children's sense of self and they will not immediately call their parents if they are unable to fall asleep, the psychologists said.
According to the University of Wuerzburg, recent studies show that some 30 per cent of all 13- to 25-year-olds have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Estimates of the number of 5- to 10-year-olds with the problem range from 20 to 43 per cent.
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