Did we say sleep help with bedtime laughter? Yes. We did:) Sounds fun, right? I mean, I don’t know about you, but when I laugh, I feel happy. And, to be sure, going to bed happy has all kinds of excellent benefits, for everyone:) Our friends at smartparenting.com share the inside scoop on why parents are choosing laughter over the age-old ‘tiring them out” method for a good night’s rest. So, if we’ve piqued your interest, keep reading:)
According to Rachel Perez’s article Laughter Before Bedtime Is a Good Way To Get Your Child to Sleep, vigorous aerobic activity for kids before bedtime can lead to adrenaline-charged wake-up calls and disturbing dreams. The reasoning? Experts tell us when kids engage in high-impact play; it takes their bodies and minds up to 4 hours to cool down. So, it’s more challenging to fall asleep. Instead, Dr. Deborah Macnamara tells us in her book, Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) suggests laughter before bed as a fun, sleep help alternative. Take a look at a few of the benefits we create with laughter before bedtime:
Laughter Lowers Stress
Instead of building stress with high-energy, injury-prone activities like running, tag, and climbing, laughter soothes the body by lowering blood pressure, settling the body and mind before bedtime. Plus, when we laugh, the feel-good hormones, endorphins, and naturally release calms the mind for sweet dreams.
Laughter Nurtures Inner Security
Did you know laughing with your child builds inner security, leading them into a good night’s rest? It’s true:) According to Well Life Family Medicine, “When we laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment.” Feeling secure as our little ones settle into bed is a must for their overall well-being. That’s why we added buttons to our sheets. Now Tucked+Covered’s sheets keep even the wildest wigglers securely covered, giving you the sleep help you need for a healthy night’s rest.
Laughter Releases Melatonin
Ever wonder why, after a good laugh how our minds and bodies feel so relaxed? Well, science tells us this is no coincidence. Experts have found through numerous studies that our natural sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin, is released when we laugh. Typically, our body’s melatonin production responds to darkness. That’s why we feel sleepy and relaxed when our eyes see night. Now we know with a good laugh before bed, our melatonin uptake increases significantly, relaxing our bodies and minds into a sound sleep.
Fun Fact
A recent study shows moms who watched a Charlie Chaplin movie had significantly higher melatonin levels in their expressed milk than moms who watched a melodrama.
Bedtime Fun
Now that we know laughter helps relax our little ones into a deep sleep, here are a few tips from parentingwithconfidence.com to get your giggler giggling:
*Read their bedtime stories in silly voices
*Role Reverse: Pretend you are the child and your child is the parent
*Try to fit in a pair of their pajamas before bed; pretend as they shrunk in the wash
*Play the no words game: Use only silly hand, face, and body language to communicate
*Have tickle time for a good laugh
To transition into sleep time, take a few deep breaths, and read a calming bedtime story. Finish by turning on a soothing sound machine and giving them a soft and comforting back rub.
At Tucked+Covered, our mission is better sleep for the whole family. We know first hand when your kids stay comfy covered with our sheets, they sleep better. And when they sleep, then you sleep. It’s that simple. Give us a try for 30 nights or naps and see firsthand why parents and kids love our style.
Happy Sleeping:)
From our family to yours:)