24 Sleeps Christmas Advent Calendar, with JYSK's Sleep Doctor, Dr John Shaw

Scandinavian Sleeping & Living experts at global furniture brand JYSK are behind a new 24 Sleeps ‘til Christmas – 24 hints and hacks to get kids to hit the hay on the run up to the big day.

In collaboration with the JYSK Sleep Doctor, Dr John Shaw, who provided some scientific insights, JYSK produced its advent to help ensure kids (and parents) don’t miss out on sweet dreams during the season of celebration.

Top Tips On How To Help Kids Sleep While Waiting For Santa

We’re approaching the most exciting time of the year for many kids, and with Santa and Rudolf about to make an appearance, its little wonder sleeping is not high on the agenda.

So how do you get your kids to go to sleep at night? And more importantly how do you get them to go to sleep at night regularly?

Whatever works for your family is king, but this season sometimes spells serious slog for parents getting the little ones into the land of nod.

JYSK knows a thing or two about sleep – in fact if there was a gold medal for sleeping, the Scandinavians would win it hands down.

You’ll have your own favourite tips, and we’d love to hear them at https://www.facebook.com/JYSK.uk/, but here are JYSK’s hottest 24 tips to ensure youngsters get the very best out of the festive period, with those all-important science-based insights from The JYSK Sleep Dr, Dr John Shaw.

1. Set a bed time!

JYSK Sleep doctor, Dr John Shaw says school-age kids need between 9-11 hours sleep each night. An early riser will still get up early even if put to bed later, and a night owl won’t usually fall asleep until their body is ready.

2. Set a wake-up time!

Dr John says if you know how much sleep your kid needs and what time they go to bed, it’s simple maths to set a daily wake-up time. Allowing kids to sleep a little later on weekends and holidays can set you up for a long, sleepless night.

3. Create a healthy sleep environment!

Dr John says a kid’s bedroom needs dim lighting, a comfortable temperature, no electronic devices (turn off all items at least 30 minutes before bedtime).

4. Develop a bedtime routine!

Dr John says this helps with relaxation. Eat a healthy snack - it’s best to avoid a large meal before bedtime - brush teeth, add a warm bath or shower, read a story to your kid.

5. Keep it cool!

JYSK Sleep Dr John Shaw says Melatonin levels help to regulate the drop of internal body temperature needed to sleep. Creating a cooler bedroom temperature promotes deeper sleep.

6. Create quiet time an hour before bedtime!

JYSK Sleep Dr John Shaw says: “The brain begins to 'fall asleep' back to front, so our vision goes first, with our higher reasoning the last to go. It’s why you feel like you’re asleep but can still hear every sound.”

7. Not tired enough?

Dr John says the result is the same as being too tired and reminds us how important everyone’s sleep is so that we can prepare to make sure everyone makes the most of the festive season, young or old.

8. Plan for relaxation!

Dr John says: “After-school play dates and enrichment activities are fun, but too many mean that kids get home late and feel rushed. All them time to wind down before bed.

9. They Are Overtired

JYSK’s Sleep Doctor says if school-age kids are up too late their overtired state can actually lead to hyperactivity, and that can make it even more difficult to fall asleep at bedtime.

10. They Are Asserting Their Growing Independence 

Dr John says school-age kids are constantly flexing their newfound independence and bedtime can be one of those power-struggle areas. Giving decision power over smaller choices - “Which story shall we read?” means bedtime is easier to accept.

11. Don't Give In!

Dr John says: “Often kids getting up for that third drink of water have a bigger strategy in mind and are letting parents’ exhaustion work to their advantage. All the advice says don’t give in and insist they sleep in their own bed – otherwise sleep problems will continue.”

12. Don’t be there while they fall asleep!

Dr John says scientists have noted that kids who are used to falling asleep with a parent in the room will be more likely to wake up during the night and sleep for less than six hours consecutively.

13. With them, then away, then back again.

Dr John says stay with kids until they settle, but introduce short absences, letting kids know that you will be leaving for 1 minute and then you’ll be back for 5. Although some kids can get upset at first, once they know that you’ll be back the anxiety fades. Then extend the time away.

14. Try this book!

Dr John recommends Swedish behavioural psychologist Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin’s book The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep, a book that is perfectly crafted to encourage dozing off.

15. Don’t forget Teddy!

JYSK’s Sleep Doctor says bedtime means separation, and that can be made easier for kids with a personal object, like a doll, teddy bear or blanket.

16. Too many teddies

While a stuffed toy can make it easier for a kid to sleep, too many toys can make it harder. Sticking with a star performer is a winner.

17. Weighted blankets?

Dr John says these can be beneficial for anyone having trouble sleeping. They are a nice, non-invasive way to help kids doze off.

18. Reward system

For older kids using reward charts, offering choices and consequences works well for getting kids to stay in bed.

Dr John adds: “It’s a funny thing, we lie down and pretend to go to sleep in order to get to sleep. We learn this as we grow and it usually serves us well as adults. But it does take a little while to get the hang of it.”

19. Make sure they get regular exercise!

JYSK’s Sleep Doctor says although being tired is a thumbs up, limiting the last playtime to at least three hours before bedtime is good advice or kids may be too stimulated for sleep.

20. Night night

Dr John says: “Having a set phrase to say as parents leave their kids’ rooms, such as “Good night, sleep tight, love you,” helps them to settle. It’s a little ritual that is known and understood and means something.

21. Baby naps 

Dr John says naps are essential to a kid’s growth, moods and nighttime sleep. Between the ages of six and nine months, a baby needs two naps a day; overstimulation and skipping naps can cause shorter naps, fighting bedtime, and night wakings.

22. Father Christmas, coming or not?

Dr John says the naughty or nice argument may be a little harsh, but for older kids suggesting that they have to be in bed and asleep for a certain time, because Father Christmas is a busy man and he hasn’t got time to wait for them to nod off, can be helpful for some.

23. Monsters under the bed?

Dr John says fear of darkness, especially of being left alone in the dark, is one of the biggest fears kids experience. A soft nightlight, the door to the hallway ajar and with a light on there too, and a quick pre under-the-bed flashlight check if the kid would welcome one can be useful.

24. Be on the lookout for signs of sleep disorders!

Dr John says it’s important to notice when sleep disorders could be a factor. Kids who are chronically tired during the day, have difficulty concentrating on homework, or have behavioural problems at home or school, may need to see a doctor.