Dear Editor,

You can’t hit snooze on the idea that lockdown has affected our sleeping patterns, with many experiencing sleepless nights and strange dreams.

A study by Kings College London found that 63 per cent of people had been experiencing worse sleep during lockdown. Meanwhile 44 per cent of young people aged 16-24 said that they’d slept longer but felt less rested, the highest percentage of all age ranges.

Through Childline, we’ve heard first hand from children that they’re struggling to sleep properly. Children have been telling us things like how they’ve stayed up late and can’t get to sleep, or that they’re exhausted during the day, and even that they’re having scary dreams.

Sleep is especially important for children, so when they don’t get the correct amount, it can have drastic effects on their mental and physical health. Sleep is a time for the body to recuperate. If there isn’t enough time for the body to recover properly, then it can lead to children feeling over-tired or restless, and finding it difficult to concentrate or cope with emotions.

But there are ways that you can help children, as well as yourself, to get a better night’s sleep.

It’s key to keep structure in a child’s day, especially while they’re off school for the summer holidays. Even though they don’t have school, try to have a morning routine of waking up and eating breakfast at the same time every day. It can be useful to encourage them with a tasty breakfast, or their favourite tv programme. Laying in late can make their sleep disrupted later.

When it comes to bedtime, it’s good to encourage a calm atmosphere throughout the household. Whether that’s by taking time to read books, rather than screens with light that could keep you awake, or try some breathing exercises to help the body wind down before sleep.

There are lots more helpful tips on the Childline website which can help you and your children commit to a more healthier routine.

Children can contact Childline for free counselling on 0800 1111 or at Childline.org.uk.

Helen Westerman

Head of Safeguarding at the NSPCC