| Answer: | There are a number of things you can do. First, boost levels of the mineral magnesium, which aids relaxation and peaceful sleep. Dark green leafy vegetables are one of the best sources of magnesium and that includes chard, kale, broccoli, wheatgrass, watercress, parsley and Chinese greens, but not spinach, as the oxalic acid it contains blocks absorption. Also excellent are organic pumpkin seeds, almonds, molasses, brown rice and other wholegrains, especially buckwheat. In truth, magnesium is found in most vegetables, though the levels have declined by around 24 per cent in the last
60 years according to official UK food composition tables. So buy organic where possible and be sure to include lots of magnesium-rich foods in your child' s diet.
Next, limit foods that can interfere with sleep and cause hyperactive behaviour. These include foods or drinks containing excess sugar, artificial colourings or additives. If your child craves sweetness, give them fresh fruit or desserts sweetened with honey or magnesium-rich molasses.
You can also try altering the environment in your child' s bedroom with light and smell. We now know that the most powerful sedative drugs, such as Valium, affect smell receptors in the brain. These receptors can be naturally stimulated using essential oils, instead of drugs, with almost instant results and no down side. Most effective are lavender, bergamot,marjoram, sandalwood, rosewood and chamomile, which soothe the senses and help aid peaceful sleep.
You can burn any of these in an essential oil burner, mixed with a little water. Ideally do this an hour or so before your child goes to bed so their bedroom is full of the aroma. Blue light is also very relaxing and has been shown to aid sleep, so you may also want to try putting a bulb in a lamp you can use once your child' s in bed. |
