Creating a Nest
Especially when your child is small, he will sleep better in a room that feels like a nest. He does not need the most expensive, elegant furniture. What he does need is to be able to sleep peacefully in a space that feels snug and secure. If possible, move the bed to a corner or alcove where your child can feel “tucked in.”
If there are no corners or alcoves for your child's bed, you might want to get a bunk bed. Not only does a bunk bed provide sleeping space for two, but it can feel cozy to a child to be on either the top or bottom. A bunk bed allows for two separate “zones.” To your child, it can almost feel like two small rooms within the room. To make the bottom bunk extra serene, try hanging drapes or even sheets from the side of the top bunk. This will create a feeling of security for your child, and will make his sleeping space a little darker, which can hasten sleep.
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According to Kurchinka, it is wise to limit children's media exposure, especially in the bedroom. The light from a computer screen or television set can be very stimulating to a young child. The activity of watching television, while it may seem to evoke a sort of trance for your young child, can actually keep him awake for hours afterward, especially if the program he saw was too fast-paced or disturbing. The mere presence of a television or computer in your child's room can cause him to stay up later than you want him to.
Be aware of heat, noise, and light. Like you, your child needs to have his body temperature drop for him to fall asleep. He will sleep better in a relatively cool room, bundled under blankets that can be removed if he becomes too hot. Natural fibers, such as cotton, will also allow the blankets to breathe better — your child will stay warm at night without getting overheated and sweaty.
Be aware of potential allergens that may disrupt your child's sleep. Pet dander is often a culprit. Cigarette smoke also is known to cause sleep disturbances for children because it makes it harder for them to breathe. Likewise, down comforters or pillows might exacerbate allergies. Wash sheets weekly in hot water to keep dust mites away.
Depending on the orientation of his bedroom, your child might need heavy curtains to block out the light. These curtains also help in the summer when the long, bright hours can keep your child awake. Some kids are also extremely sensitive to noise and can benefit from a white-noise machine. These inexpensive devices block out the sounds that interfere with your child's ability to sleep.
Streamline your child's room so that its purpose becomes clear — instead of the bedroom being a work or play space, it should be a sleepy space, free from the glaring lights, troubles, and noise of the world. A soothing, uncluttered environment will make your child feel safe enough to rest.
