But a new study has found something that might help little ones rest easier: mindfulness training.
They recruited 115 children in third and fifth grade at two elementary schools in Northern California for a study.
The children were between eight and 11 years old at the start of the study in December 2014.
The group had a slightly higher proportion of boys than girls.
The researchers split the participants into two groups.
The curriculum taught the students practices such as paced breathing and yoga-inspired mindful movement.
They were surveyed on their stress levels andpsychosocial functioning.
Recognition of external stressors can aid children in disparate ways, says Dr. Magavi.
Plus, getting adequate sleep is critical in childrens development.
Kids who get the proper amount of sleep have better focus, concentration, and academic performance.
Parents can start mindfulness practices with their children with simple breathing exercises, says Thompson.
Mindful breathing changes energy from tension to relaxation.
She has also had success using visualizations andmeditation exercisesto teach mindfulness to young children in the clinic.
When they are upset, I ask them to make a balloon.
Aim to keep the practices simple and fun.
Remind children they can use these practices whenever they need themincluding at bedtime.
Published online July 6, 2021. doi:10.5664/jcsm.9508
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What happens during sleep?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sleep and health.
