Are you getting used to sleepless nights? It’s very common for young children to experience separation anxiety at bedtime. They may start to get nervous and agitated right before going to bed. This can cause the parents and the child to have many sleepless nights.
Anxiety has an evolutionary cause, fear kept us safe when we lived in a dangerous world. Now, when we get scared our brain goes on high alert by activating the amygdala, and, in turn, feeling physical symptoms. Fight, flight or freeze. Our bodies go into preparation to defend ourselves and keep us safe.
Children show the flight response by running from their room into their parents’ room. The freeze response usually manifests itself with screams for the parents to come to their rooms.
Other Symptoms of Separation Anxiety at Bedtime:
- Stomachaches and headaches
- Fear of being alone
- Bedwetting
- Nightmares about being separated
- Worrying something bad will happen if the parent/guardian leaves
- Refusal to sleep without the caretaker nearby
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 1 in 8 children in America experiences some type of anxiety. This usually manifests itself during bedtime. Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of anxiety. Even children who are not usually anxious can experience the fear of separation.
How Can You Help Your Child?
The key to helping children suffering from separation anxiety at bedtime is to give them the confidence they need to conquer their fears. Who can give them confidence? Sir William the Brave Knight can! To some, he might just look like a stuffed bear, but Sir William is more than that. He is someone they can give their worries to. When you tell your child that he can protect them, their worried thoughts are replaced with happy ones. With Sir William the Brave Knight they can learn to conquer their fears!
Give someone the gift of sleep and peace of mind! Buy the Brave Knights Kit and help alleviate separation anxiety at bedtime for a child today.
