Sleeplessness Remedies from Natural Gran

Restlessness, sleeplessness, insomnia, an inability "to settle down" are big concerns for parents, and for grandparents when they are caring over-night for their grandchildren.

We know that the sleeplessness problem can stem from a number of different sources. These are a few that I have come across in my life with children (and as a child myself):--indigestion, tummy ache, cramps, flu symptoms--colds, coughing, difficulty in breathing, allergies, asthma--ear ache, sore throat, fever, chills--"growing pains", sore muscles, sore joints, bruises,rashes, itchiness--pre-menstrual and menstrual tension and cramps for adolescent girls--anxieties, guilt, and worries of all sorts and intensities--fears ranging from the transitory fear to phobias--sadness and loss, a desire for things to return to the way they were, a deep longing for someone significant in their lives who is away or 'gone'--excitement and anticipation of something they are looking forward to happening in the near future--hopelessness and depression (common among children who are experiencing abuse and bullying)--"learned over-vigilance" among children who have had to flee from violent situations in the middle of the night or who have been sexually violated at night

And the list goes on to include all kinds of things I don't even want to think about like children who can not sleep because of physical pain related to violence or unattended injuries or illness; or children who can't sleep because they haven't eaten or haven't eaten enough. I know too that children living in 'war' situations don't always sleep well at night. This is a no-brainer.

Then, too, there are times when children have erratic schedules, watch too much TV, spend too much time on the computer or with their X-box or whatever, and are just too jazzed to sleep.

There are entire books written about helping children to sleep, and people who come in to your home (if you are desperate enough and have the money) to help you develop systems to get your children into a good sleep routine.

I'm just going to offer a couple of suggestions here that you can use if you are looking after your grandchild and he/she is not able to fall into a deep comfortable sleep in spite of not being visibly ill or traumatized by a recent important loss.

Questions? Comments?

SLEEPLESSNESS REMEDIES THAT REALLY ROCK:I'm sure you've guessed that I am referring to actual rocking here. I think every Gran's home should have one or more rocking chairs in it for easy transition from daytime/playtime to rest/sleep time. Rocking is effective because it replicates the heartbeat rhythm in the womb. Wear a soft, natural material that won't scratch, itch or cause allergies. If you are a smoker, you might truly consider quitting before the grandbabies arrive-- not only so you can enjoy a long period of grandparenthood, but also because smoke clings to your clothes and doesn't make you a very fragrant and easy person to snuggle up with, particularly for children with respiratory challenges.

I'm sure you can do the rocking thing without instruction, but for anyone who is new to this, get comfortable (a small pillow at your lumbar is often helpful to sustaining movement) and getting in to heart-to-heart sync with your little child is important. Steady, gentle (not jerky) and accompanied by "your song" (whatever that might be) is really lovely and works for me.

GENTLY BOUNCING INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT: This is a variation on the usual rocking. If you are a rebounder, you will love this and so will your grandchildren. If you are in good shape, just hold the baby while you gently bounce (don't actually jump-- do the "health bounce" where your feet stay in contact with the mat at all times). My granddaughters go out like lights within a very few minutes-- it's almost miraculous. Some gentle music in the background is nice. Alyza likes Celine Dion or The African Children's Choir (she's 2 1/2). Older grandchildren can be encouraged to do some rhythmic jumping themselves. This will help to settle them down. And then a nice bedtime ritual like a story and a tuck-in is really sweet.

FRAGRANT GOOD NIGHT BLESSINGS: I like to combine certain essential oils and Holy Scripture that refers to the blessings of good sleep. You can just pray the Scripture over the little pre-verbal children, but it's helpful and extra sweet to give older kids who can read an opportunity to share this spiritual closeness with you by having them read the passages out loud. Use a Bible translation that is understandable. This is also a good time to do some quiet talking about your childhood experiences of sleeping or whatever else your grandchild is interested in hearing about. Also encourage prayer that is conversational-- let your little one know that God is there to help him/her have a good sleep. This is a time of great comfort and closeness. Here are some of the Bible Verses (there are others too)-- just click>>>> for Bible Verses to Sleep by

ANOINTED REST In Biblical times essential oils like Frankincense and Myrrh and Sandalwood (Aloes) were used to anoint those you wished to bless. The essential oils were the medicine cabinet of the early peoples. They had great value.

Children generally respond very well to gentle fragrance. I harp throughout about the importance of LESS being MORE, particularly where children and babies are concerned. Follow the Safety Guidelines for using essential oils. Use a carrier oil such as Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or a nut or seed oil (such as sweet almond or walnut or hemp seed). There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of pure essential oils in promoting calming, rest and sleep.

Pre-bed Bathing Add a couple of drops of Lavender essential oil to a 1/4 C. of Epsom salts and swirl about before putting the child in. You could also use a couple of drops of Mandarin or Geranium or Bergamot. These are calming oils.

Spray or diffuse calming oils in the child's room BEFORE the child gets into bed. Pure essential oils will stay potent in the air for longer than their scent. I personally do not believe that it is necessary to impregnate the air with essential oils during the time the child is trying to fall asleep. A couple of drops of Lavender on the flip side of the pillow might be helpful. A soothing pre-sleep back massage with something like 2-4 drops of Pettigrain and 2-4 drops of Lavender in a teaspoon of carrier oil (for older children)--and much more dilute for younger kids-- will greatly assist in the sleep process. Choose highest quality, safe essential oils from the Product Catalog here.

A couple of drops of a favorite soothing oil or blend on a cotton ball over a radiator or air duct will be ample for actual room fragrancing.

Soft music and subdued lighting should accompany any use of essential oils. They also lend themselves to prayer and Bible reading (see above). This is also a time when older children might want to talk a little, maybe even about what is creating anxiety for them. This is a time of great blessing for both grandchildren and their grans.

Questions? Comments?

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