Patient's question:
AgeDetailed medical condition and consultation purpose: My little boy is 6 years old this year, and he only sleeps 9 hours a day, sometimes up to 9 and a half hours. What should I do? First follow-up question: The child likes to move a lot while sleeping, kicking the blanket, but it's not too hot. I don't know if it affects his sleep quality. When the child first falls asleep in the summer, he sweats a lot, but now he sweats very little. I myself also like to kick the blanket while sleeping, but it doesn't affect my sleep quality. Second follow-up question: The child likes to move a lot while sleeping, kicking the blanket, but it's not too hot. I don't know if it affects his
Doctor's answer:
(1) Sleep on time: One to two hours before the baby's bedtime, help the baby wind down by keeping the environment quiet, avoiding stimulating TV programs, scary stories, or playing with new toys. Before going to bed at night, make sure the baby washes their face, feet, and buttocks. Empty their bladder before sleep. Put off clothes neatly in their designated places. Go to bed and wake up on time. Gradually develop the habit of voluntarily going to bed and waking up on time.(2) Fall asleep naturally: After the baby is in bed, turn off the lights at night; during the day, draw the curtains to keep the room dimly lit. Once the baby falls asleep, adults should avoid unnecessary movements. Babies accustomed to sleeping in overly quiet environments may wake up easily. As long as loud noises are avoided, such as the sound of a door slamming shut or metal utensils falling to the ground, it should be fine. Cultivate the habit of not talking, patting, or rocking the baby after they are in bed, nor hugging or holding them. Encourage the baby to lie down automatically, fall asleep quickly, and not cry or fuss upon waking. Additionally, teach the baby not to cover their head, suck their thumb, bite the corners of their blanket, suck their fingers, leave toys on the bed or sleep with them, or put clothes on the bed. For babies who cannot fall asleep on their own, provide verbal comfort but never indulge them. Let the baby rely on their own strength to regulate their pre-sleep state. Avoid using forceful or frightening methods to make them sleep. Some babies may be afraid of the dark, so placing a bedside lamp and teaching them how to turn it on and off can help them feel more secure and fall asleep more easily.