Sleep Treatment Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Four Main Causes of Almost All Sleep Problems

Sleep: we all know we need it, we all know it’s vitally important to our health and well-being; but for some adults and children sleep can be so elusive. From difficulty falling asleep, to problems staying asleep, sleep issues can leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. By the time most people contact me in search of sleep help, they are feeling hopeless. Many sleep-deprived adults and parents of children with sleep problems struggle to get to the bottom of what’s actually causing sleep problems, and often (incorrectly) assume that sleep problems are medical or biological in nature. Luckily, most sleep problems are actually behavioral in nature, and believe it or not, there tends to be only four main underlying issues that cause just about every sleep problem I see in my practice. My goal in this week’s blog post is to help you understand the four main causes of sleep problems so you can identify where your (or your child’s) sleep might be getting off track. Types of sleep problems (and why it doesn’t always matter what the problem looks like) Sleep challenges can present in many forms, including difficulty falling asleep, middle-of-the-night awakenings, early wakings, insomnia, night terrors, nightmares, restless [...]

What’s the deal with melatonin?

A good night's sleep is essential for the overall health and well-being of every child. As a parent, you understand the importance of ensuring your child gets enough rest. However, many parents struggle with bedtime issues and are unsure where to turn and in need of a quick fix. Melatonin, a hormone known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, is a popular sleep aid. It’s often seen as a quick and easy solution for bedtime struggles for adults and children alike. While melatonin can help with some sleep issues, it's important to understand what it is, how it works, and whether it's safe to use with children before deciding if it's right for your child. What is melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, as well as many other bodily functions. It is produced by the pineal gland, a small gland located in the brain, and is mostly released in the evening, in response to darkness. It’s your body’s way of staying in sync with mother nature- when the sun goes down, your body and brain start to wind down too! Melatonin helps to regulate our body clocks (aka circadian rhythm) by signaling [...]