Family Yoga
Getting enough sleep is critical for preschoolers’ cognitive and behavioral development, but many parents struggle to establish effective bedtime routines. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to issues like obesity, difficulty focusing, and behavioral problems. One promising solution to improve children’s sleep is the incorporation of a yoga-based bedtime routine.
Benefits of Yoga During Bedtime Routine
A recent study explored the feasibility and potential benefits of introducing yoga into bedtime routines for young children, specifically those aged 2-5 years. The pilot study compared a yoga-based intervention with a traditional story-based bedtime routine. The results suggested that yoga could be a valuable tool for improving both sleep quality and family dynamics. Children who participated in the yoga routine showed improvements in sleep, while families experienced less chaos at bedtime. The practice of yoga helped calm children, easing the transition from wakefulness to sleep by reducing both cognitive and physiological arousal.
Bedtime Yoga Improves Sleep for the Parents Too
In addition to helping children, a structured bedtime routine like yoga can positively impact parents’ stress levels, enhancing the overall family environment. Consistent bedtime routines, such as yoga, have been linked to better sleep habits, improved parent-child interactions, and even better parental mood. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that integrating calming practices like yoga could be an effective, low-cost way to improve sleep outcomes for preschool-aged children and their families.
Ultimately, a yoga-based bedtime routine offers a promising strategy to tackle sleep challenges in young children while fostering a peaceful, supportive environment at home.
Need Help Developing a Yoga Routine for the Entire Family?
Our therapists are well versed in yoga poses. They are also able to tailor a yoga routine to suit your specific healthcare needs. For example, yoga poses are modified for expecting mothers or for individuals with low back pain or pelvic pain. Reach out to us for more information. We offer up to one hour sessions with our patients. All treatments are held in private treatment rooms or within our in-clinic gym.
Reference
https://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/S1360-8592(24)00421-2/fulltext
