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active than their peers who prefer to stay up late and who struggle with sleep. Byrd said that multiple studies link insufficient sleep to an increased risk of diabetes, and new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism states that just one night of sleep deprivation can bring on insulin resistance, a factor in type 2 diabetes. Byrd, who has four children, said the biggest problem is that each child’s personality is different. “It all goes back to temperament,” he said. He advised parents battling their kids with bedtime routines to read more about temperaments from Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a nationally renowned pediatrician who wrote “Sleep: The Brazelton Way.” “He believes there are three temperaments in regards to sleep,” Byrd said. “One is very active and excited about learning, and obviously you’ll have problems with that personality because anything that arouses them is going to make them want to sit up or talk or whatever.” Another personality type is the quiet, watchful child who isn’t as active as he is thoughtful. These children don’t expend their energy during the day, so they often wake up at night, Byrd said. “The third kind is very sensitive or easily upset kids,” Byrd said. “Once you identify which personality your child has, it can help you establish the best way to tackle setting a bedtime routine. Even then, you should learn your kid’s temperament, but don’t force a formula on them. You really do have to practice trial and error to find what works best for your child.” Just as important as understanding your child’s personality is understanding your partner, he added. “Parents need to be on the same wavelength,” Byrd said. “If Mom is trying to set a routine, but Dad is getting down and rough-housing with the kids and stimulating them right before their bedtime, there are going to be problems.”
Setting the rules
Byrd said some helpful rules for parents to enforce no matter the age or temperament of the child include reducing stimulation before bedtime, being consistent with a bedtime and ritual, and not deviating from routines. “It’s tough for working parents,” he said. “Being away from your kids all day can encourage parents to overcompensate and
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Bonnie Schoon and her husband, Billy, read a bedtime story to their children, from left, Julianna, Caleb and Zach. CINDY HOSEA/UPSTATE PARENT
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO AVOID BEDTIME BATTLES Dr. Jeremy Byrd of Heritage Pediatrics and Internal Medicine in Simpsonville, S.C., says children can have different temperaments that contribute to bedtime battles, and age always plays a big role. Regardless, there are still some tips he encourages parents to follow until they find the best routine for their families. » Make sure your child, if old enough to sleep outside of a crib, has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy in her bed to promote relaxation and provide comfort as she goes to sleep. » Make sure naps start early and last no more than 2-3 hours at a time. Naps after 3 p.m. are a bad idea, Byrd says. » Avoid stimulating activities for at least a couple of hours prior to bedtime. This means no television, video games or computers. » If your child complains she’s too scared to sleep, reassure her by checking under the bed, in closets and around the room to show there is nothing to be afraid of. » Avoid bottle-feeding or giving snacks or juices close to bedtime. Not only is it bad for a child’s teeth, it can keep them awake longer.
let their children stay up late so they can spend more time with them, but it’s not helpful to establishing a bedtime habit. That’s usually what causes problems as children grow older, and they are still fighting you about bedtime.” Ramona Hrysikos said she also had problems with her oldest son, now 13, when it came to getting him in bed on a routine. “It was my first child,” said Hrysikos, who is a nurse in Spartanburg, S.C. “I didn’t really practice. I was told about setting a routine and bedtime habits, but my husband and I worked different, opposite shifts. I worked nights, and I allowed my child to stay up later. I wish I could turn back time and listen to that advice about setting a routine from the get-go.” As the mother of three, Hrysikos said she has learned along the way and has finally discovered through her 3-year-old that a consistent routine at bedtime helps her family achieve the most rest. “I think one of the biggest things for children, regardless of age, is routine,” she said. “It cannot be emphasized enough — staying on schedule and doing the same bedtime rituals each day and consistency with that is just valuable.” Byrd said parents of multiple children have the hardest time with bedtime battles, but a household routine can benefit everyone. If not, a child’s problem might be deeper and require more investigation. “There are medical conditions such as night terrors, sleep apnea and bed wetting that can also play a factor in it,” he said. “That’s when you should consult with your pediatrician on a solution.”
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