Letting Your Sick Child Sleep: Good Or Bad?

Sleep is an essential part of a child's recovery process when they are unwell. It is common for children to sleep more than usual when they are sick, and it is generally recommended to let them sleep as much as their body needs to heal. However, it is also important to ensure that they are getting adequate fluids and nutrition, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. While it is advisable to let a sick child sleep, it is recommended to wake them periodically, especially if they have been sleeping for more than 2-3 hours, to ensure they stay hydrated and maintain their nutrition intake.

It's okay to let your child sleep as much as they need when they're sick

When your child is unwell, it's completely fine to let them sleep as much as they need to. Sleep is good medicine, and it's important to listen to your child's needs. If they are sleeping, it's likely that their body is trying to fight off illness, and rest is key to doing so.

However, it's also important to make sure they are staying hydrated and nourished. You should wake your child to ensure they are getting fluids and feedings as normal. If they have been sleeping for a long time, such as over three hours, it's a good idea to wake them to ensure they are getting enough nourishment and interaction throughout the day. You don't want them to sleep past the afternoon, as this may impact their night sleep.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your child's behaviour when they are awake. If they seem floppy, completely unresponsive, or not their usual self, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Trust your parental instincts and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

While it's okay to let your child sleep, you should try to maintain your normal bedtime and naptime routines as much as possible. These familiar routines will help cue your child's brain that sleep is coming and will set them up for more restful sleep. If your child sleeps in their own bed, try to keep this consistent, as bringing them into your bed can be a difficult association to remove later on. Instead, you could consider sleeping in their room temporarily, either on a mattress on the floor or by setting up a bed for yourself.

Remember, it's normal to feel anxious when your child is sick, but try not to stress too much about sleep. Your child can sense this anxiety, which may make it harder for them to fall asleep. Focus on helping yourself and your child relax, whether that's through deep breathing, a warm bath, or other comfort measures.

Make sure they're staying hydrated by offering them fluids

It is important to make sure your child is staying hydrated when they are sick. Children, especially younger ones, are at a higher risk of dehydration than adults because they have faster metabolisms. They may also not be able to communicate their thirst or be less inclined to drink fluids due to lethargy or a sore throat.

• Offer them an electrolyte drink, such as Pedialyte®, which has an optimal balance of glucose and sodium to restore fluid and electrolyte losses for fast, effective rehydration.
• Give them popsicles, especially sugar-free or fruit juice-based ones. Pedialyte® also comes in the form of freezer pops.
• Serve them broth-based soups, such as chicken noodle soup, in a fun cup with a silly straw.
• Offer them warm tea, such as peppermint or chamomile.
• Add slices of fruit, such as strawberries, cucumbers, or lemon, to their water to give it a flavor and color boost.
• If your child is older than 12 months, you can give them milk.
• Dilute apple or grape juice with water.
• If your child is breastfeeding, offer more frequent sessions.

It is important to avoid giving your child drinks that are high in sugar or caffeine, as these can make dehydration worse. Instead, focus on offering a variety of hydrating options and making it fun so that they are more inclined to drink.

You can give them medication for pain relief or fever reduction, but consult a doctor first

When your child is unwell, it is important to remember that their psychological needs need to be met as well. Your child needs you when they don't feel well, and being there to provide comfort and love should be the number one priority. This means responding to their tears and holding them if that is the only thing that calms them down.

If your child is very uncomfortable and in pain, you can give them medication for pain relief or fever reduction. However, it is important to consult a doctor first. Over-the-counter pain relievers can cause side effects, so a health care provider can help you choose the best option for your child's needs.

Medical providers often recommend acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) for pain relief and fever reduction in children. It is gentler on the stomach than some other types of over-the-counter pain relief products. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another type of over-the-counter pain relief medication for children. These include ibuprofen (e.g. Advil/Motrin) and are often recommended for muscle pain, injuries, and other conditions that involve swelling.

When giving your child medication, be sure to use a product that is meant for children. Use your child's weight to find the right dose on the product package. If you don't know their weight, you can use their age. Follow all directions on the product package and do not give more medication than recommended. Pain medications work best if they are used as soon as the pain starts. Do not take this medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor.

It is also important to keep your child hydrated when they are unwell, especially if they are losing liquid by throwing up or experiencing diarrhoea. If you are breastfeeding, you may offer more frequent sessions. If not, make sure to constantly offer liquids such as popsicles (depending on the age of your child), juices, and fruits.

Keep your child comfortable by using a humidifier or a cool washcloth on their forehead

When your child is unwell, it's important to keep them comfortable and well-rested. In addition to getting plenty of sleep, there are other ways to ensure your child's comfort. Using a humidifier or a cool washcloth on their forehead can be very effective in soothing your sick child.

A humidifier can be beneficial for babies and children with various illnesses, especially those with coughing and congestion due to a cold or the flu. Humidifiers raise the moisture levels in a room, which can help to alleviate congestion and coughing. It is recommended to use a cool mist humidifier for children as they don't pose the same risk of scalding and burn injuries that warm mist humidifiers do. Ensure that the humidifier is positioned at least three feet away from your child's bed and that it is out of their reach. It is also important to keep the humidifier clean and well-maintained to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.

Using a cool washcloth on your child's forehead is a simple yet effective way to help manage a fever. This method, known as tepid sponging, involves applying a damp cloth to areas such as the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin, which can help to draw heat away from the body and promote perspiration, thereby regulating body temperature. It is recommended to use room temperature water rather than cold water, and to change the washcloth every 5 minutes. This technique is especially useful for babies and young children who cannot take fever-reducing medications.

By utilising these methods, you can help keep your sick child comfortable and aid in their recovery. Remember to also provide plenty of fluids and maintain a consistent sleep routine as much as possible.

Try to maintain your normal bedtime and naptime routines as much as possible

When your child is sick, it is understandable to want to comfort and care for them as much as possible. While it is important to provide extra attention and support, maintaining a normal sleep schedule is also beneficial for their recovery. Here are some reasons why you should try to stick to your child's regular bedtime and naptime routines:

Maintaining a Sleep Schedule

Firstly, keeping a consistent sleep schedule will help your child's body maintain a sense of normalcy, even when they are unwell. This can be particularly important if your child has already established healthy sleep habits. By sticking to their regular sleep times, you avoid disrupting their internal body clock, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep and promote more restful sleep.

The Benefits of Familiar Routines

Bedtime and naptime routines are not just about the sleep itself; they are also about the calming and soothing rituals that precede sleep. These familiar routines can be especially comforting to a sick child. Whether it's reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music, these pre-sleep activities signal to your child's brain that sleep is approaching. This can help them relax and prepare for sleep, even if they are feeling under the weather.

Preventing Sleep Regression

While it may be tempting to introduce new sleep associations when your child is sick, such as rocking or holding them to sleep, it's important to be mindful of the potential long-term impact. These new habits can be challenging to break once your child recovers. By maintaining your normal routines, you reduce the risk of sleep regression and the need for additional sleep training later on.

Encouraging Restful Sleep

A well-maintained sleep schedule can help promote longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep. This is beneficial for both you and your child. When your child sleeps through the night, it allows their body to rest and recover more effectively. Additionally, uninterrupted sleep gives you, as the caregiver, some much-needed rest as well.

Adjusting for Sickness

While maintaining a sleep schedule is important, it's also crucial to be flexible and adjust to your child's needs when they are sick. This may include allowing for slightly longer naps or earlier bedtimes. If your child is struggling to fall asleep due to congestion, a fever, or body aches, consider using a humidifier or consulting your doctor about appropriate pain relief options.

In summary, while it's important to provide extra comfort and support to your sick child, maintaining their normal bedtime and naptime routines can be beneficial for their overall recovery. By sticking to a familiar sleep schedule, you can promote more restful sleep, prevent sleep regression, and help your child get back to their healthy selves more quickly.

Frequently asked questions