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Sleep/Rest

A child’s ability to sleep may be negatively affected following exposure to a traumatic event. Sleep loss can negatively affect a child’s social-emotional tolerance, does not allow the child to unstress, and can result in increased emotional and physical outbursts.

Children who have experienced trauma may be challenged in the following ways:

  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

  • Nightmares or other sleep problems

  • Wetting the bed

Some strategies you can implement to address the above effects include:

  • Stick to a routine

    • Set a bedtime and turn off screens an hour before bed.

  • Comfort tools

    • Use weighted or warm blankets to help them feel calm.

  • Help with bedwetting

    • Set reminders for bathroom trips and talk about fears.

  • Calming activities

    • Read soothing stories or do easy breathing exercises before bed.

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