Christmas is the most exciting day of the year for many, especially the wee ones.
It means that getting the kids tucked in bed and snoozed on Christmas Eve can be a challenge. Patiently awaiting Santa, children are often full on energy much later on than normal on December 24. And that can cause some problems for Santa, who is likely keen to sort out presents or even just sit down and relax before the chaos of the big day begins.
Fortunately, sleep experts at Bed Kingdom have shared some tips to help get the wee ones counting sheep in plenty of time tonight. Good luck and Merry Christmsas!
READ MORE: Fairytale Edinburgh Victorian penthouse hits the market with top floor balcony
Fill the morning with exercise
Talking a walk or even taking part in a little festive sporting fun can help tire the wee ones out. This in turn promotes better sleep and can make the nighttime routine on Christmas Eve a little bit easier.
If you’re lucky enough to see some sunshine, this is a bonus, as it helps to set the body’s natural clock for better sleep.
Keep the sugary foods at bay after midday
It might seem difficult, but try and keep the sugary foods to a minimum once it hits midday. Foods high in sugar give kids lots of energy, which means they will be overstimulated ad kept awake longer.
It can also lead to disruptions during the night. Instead, try sugar-free jelly or juice with no added sugar if you need to satisfy their sweet tooth after midday.
Keeping them up late will prevent a good night's sleep
While it may seem like a later bedtime will help your child to sleep better at night, it will in fact do the opposite.
Young children who are overtired will find it much more difficult to get some shut eye, and it will only prevent them from getting enough sleep if you plan on waking up particularly early on Christmas Day.
Sleep-inducing snacks before bedtime
Opposite to sugary foods, some snacks can actually promote sleep. And making sure the wee ones head off to bed with a full stomach is also key.
A late-night snack will ensure they don’t have any awakenings during the night, but it’s important to choose something that induces sleep rather than fights it, like fatty and sugary foods.
Bananas are both healthy and sleep-inducing as they calm the body and relax the muscles; pair it with a glass of milk, as this will make it much easier to rest due to containing tryptophan, a sleep promoting amino acid.
Keeping the evenings calm
If your way of celebrating the festivities as a family includes lots of activities, it will work in your favour to keep these for the afternoon and have a calm atmosphere for the evening.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Having an earlier dinner than usual will not only help the little ones prepare for bedtime, but it’s one way to keep them occupied without having to get them too excited – and having bath time afterwards is an extra way to fill the time and relax them.
Don't alter their bedtime routine
Your children will be aware that something is missing if you alter their night-time routine.
You may think that sacrificing something like a bedtime story so that they can stay up for a little while longer will help to ease the excitement out of their system, but their routine becomes a signal for sleep – so it’s vital to not make any drastic changes.
Avoid technology close to bedtime
If you plan on watching a Christmas film together as a family on the evening to keep things calm, it’s best to switch the screens off around two hours before your children’s bedtime.
Blue light, which is emitted from technology screens like mobile phones, laptops, and TVs, can suppress the body’s hormone melatonin which is responsible for making us sleepy. So, it’s best to complete any technology related activities before the bedtime routine.
Don't forget the bedtime countdown
Counting down until bedtime allows your kids to prepare for sleep, for example an hour, then half an hour, and fifteen minutes prior. Not only will you avoid the protest to staying up for longer, but it helps them transition into their bedtime routine easily.
A spokesperson from Bed Kingdom has commented: “Spending Christmas with the family is something that many of us look forward to all year, but having little ones around makes it that little bit more special. However, it can sometimes feel as though there’s nothing to prepare them for bedtime on Christmas Eve, resulting in a restless night’s sleep.
"Thankfully, there are several tips and tricks to keep them calm and avoid any tired children on Christmas Day.”
READ NEXT
Christmas warning issued over fake Quality Street and Celebration boxes
Edinburgh's supermarket opening hours for Christmas Eve 2022 - Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi and more
Edinburgh chef issues advice on correct way to cook Christmas dinner in an air fryer
Arctic blast could bring Christmas cold snap and 'snowiest period in 12 years'
Chef issues Christmas dinner prep checklist advice to save time on the big day
