Putting young children to bed at night is often a demanding task for any parent. Everyone has their own practice. Some appreciate total silence during a child’s bedtime, while others enjoy singing lullabies, storytelling, or playing sleep music for kids. Several claims can surely be made for the numerous ways of comforting an infant or child to sleep. Read on to know more about how playing music for infants and children at bedtime is beneficial:
- Bedtime music has a calming effect on kids:
Children who listen to soothing music before going to bed have seen a remarkable improvement in their duration of sleep. They go through a more peaceful, deeper sleep and wake up less at night. Acting as a trigger, letting them know that it is time to sleep, bedtime music is an ideal way to add a sense of familiarity that can leave a child feeling safe and more relaxed. Besides, these children exhibit better focus and attentiveness during the day and have a normal and even heart rate all through the day.
The reason why sleep sounds and lullabies are so useful, is the physiological impact they can potentially have on children. Our bodies are known to react to the pace and rhythm of the music we listen to, therefore, slow, gentle, rhythmic music slows down our heartbeats and enables deeper, quieter breathing. The rocking rhythm of a lullaby is close to a child's heartbeat, and the tranquil sounds are vital to soothe a baby after a day of loud and frenzied sounds. Unhurried music will lower ‘threat responses’ in babies, so they are less likely to be triggered, making their bedroom feel more secure.
A study on the impact of soothing background music on the quality of sleep learned that children who listen to relaxing background music at bedtime had superior sleep quality. Another research determined that calming classical music is a helpful intervention in easing sleep disorders. Nurses in maternity wards use this safe and easy to learn technique to treat sleeplessness.
- Eases stress:
Music is known to lower stress levels and since stress is one of the prominent causes of sleep disorders, listening to music can induce sleep. Children today have to confront an extremely competitive environment with heavy school workloads and extracurricular activities. This adversely impacts their ability to sleep peacefully. Thus, anything that can lower their stress at bedtime will ensure better sleep. - Enhances brain development:
Many institutes that work on children’s health endorse music experiences during early childhood because, through music, toddlers can better understand their feelings, learn to interpret patterns, work out problems, and explore the world in vivid ways. Most importantly, sharing music experiences with their loved ones makes young children feel treasured.
It is a good practice to put on your chosen lullabies/background sounds about half an hour before your child's bedtime, letting them soak up the music and relax, before putting them to rest.
