Managing Sleep Problems

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There are many reasons why tamariki (children) may have trouble sleeping. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute offers podcasts and sleep strategies. These may help you manage your child’s sleep problems.

Sleep problems are common in tamariki (children). In most tamariki, healthy sleep habits will sort out their sleep problems. If your child does need more help, using a medicine such as melatonin will work better if healthy sleep habits are in place.

An oximetry test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be used to assess your child's breathing during sleep. 

Rewards can really motivate a child to improve their behaviour. They work best when given soon after the behaviour, not days later.

If your child feels anxious about sleep or staying in their bedroom, the 'checking method' might help.

If your child is anxious about going to sleep, the ‘camping out’ method may help. Sit on a chair or camp bed next to your child’s bed and gradually move further away as your child learns to fall asleep on their own.

For tamariki (children) who find it hard to stay in their bedroom or who call out, a bedtime pass may help.

Putting tamariki (children) to bed when they are not tired can lead to bedtime struggles. For some tamariki, it helps to start with a bedtime close to when they usually fall asleep, then gradually make it earlier.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Polysomnography (PSG) is a special type of sleep test which provides the most detailed information about breathing problems during sleep.