Children Should Sleep in a Dark Room, Doctor Explains the Reason

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"Children Should Sleep in a Dark Environment, Doctor Explains the Reason"

Children Should Sleep in a Dark Room, Doctor Explains the Reason

Dream - Some children are accustomed to sleeping with the lights on because they are afraid of the dark. Finally, parents allow children to sleep with a bright room condition and the lights continue to be on.

It turns out that it is better not to do that. Since childhood, children need to be accustomed to sleeping in a dark or dim room. Why? Dr. Citra Amelinda, a pediatric specialist, explains the reasons why children should sleep with the lights off.

According to him, the sleep process is greatly influenced by the hormone melatonin produced by the body. This hormone is naturally produced to help regulate and signal when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Sleeping with the lights on also tends to make children wake up feeling tired and not refreshed.

"The dark room stimulates the production of the hormone melatonin, while bright light causes the production of hormones to stop. In order to help children sleep more soundly and have better quality sleep, parents can support the work of melatonin hormone," said Dr. Citra."

There are several ways that can be done to make the hormone melatonin work effectively. So that the little one can sleep soundly throughout the night, do these four things.

1. Get used to sleeping in a dark room

"If it's about light, it is directly related to the brain, so it can hinder sleep quality. It is recommended to make the room as dark as possible, including during nap time. If afraid of the dark, you can use a dim night light, but not just any color. Choose a light that is similar to the twilight," said Dr. Citra. If not accustomed to a dark room, turn on a dim night light. It is recommended to use a warm-colored light, such as red, orange, or yellow."

2. Increase outdoor activities

Exposure to sunlight helps suppress melatonin production during the day, helping to signal the body that it's time to wake up. "Children also find it easier to fall asleep at night," said Dr. Citra.

3. Warm water shower

Invite the child to take a bath at night with warm water. When the body relaxes, cortisol levels may decrease and melatonin may increase. The body will be clean and comfortable, not sticky, and relaxed. Usually, the child will fall asleep quickly when they are relaxed.

4. Avoid screen time before sleep.

Blue light from gadgets can suppress melatonin and deceive the brain into thinking that "it's still time to be active". As a result, it disrupts the body's circadian rhythm and makes children feel alert instead of tired and unable to sleep. Source: Instagram @citra_amelinda

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