Advice on sleep training whilst your little one is sick

Although winter is finally over, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the winter bugs, unfortunately. I myself have currently been plagued by sickness, as have some of my client’s children. Now, it's one thing being sick yourself, but as a parent, there's nothing worse than seeing your little one struck down by sickness. It's natural to want to do everything in your power to make them comfortable and help them get better.

But what if you are just about to begin sleep training, deep in it, or just finishing up sleep training your little one? Sickness can really throw things off. You might be worried about undoing all your hard work, but at the same time, you want to support and comfort your child as much as possible; it really is a mixed bag of emotions! But please don’t worry; I am here to help and guide you through navigating sleep training during bouts of illness.

Sleep strengthens the immune system

Sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. The National Sleep Foundation, in fact, states, 'One key benefit of getting enough good sleep is strengthening your immune system to help you prevent or limit infection in the body.’ So sleep is more important than ever when your little one is sick, and their care is your top priority.

Medication

Please always follow the advice of your doctor for any medications prescribed and seek medical support where necessary.

Sleep needs can vary during periods of sickness

For some little ones, sleep may be quite disrupted when they are under the weather. Others may sleep significantly more than normal when they are sick. So try not to worry too much about the details and follow your little one’s lead when it comes to this.

Hydration

Depending on the extent of your little one’s sickness, extra fluids may be needed. Please be mindful of this and respond accordingly. I urge you not to worry about offering hydration, especially during periods of fever, congestion, and sore throats for example. Sickness is only temporary, and so short-term disruptions to sleep can be expected.

Sleep will get back on track, so don’t worry

If your little one is under the weather, I urge you to trust your gut and do what you feel is right for your child. Your level of assistance should be based on the intensity of the illness. I always advise that you monitor your child's symptoms and adjust your sleep training approach accordingly. Try to be flexible with your sleep training schedule and be prepared to put it on hold if necessary.

For those of you who haven’t begun the sleep training process yet or are just about to start, I would probably suggest you hit the pause button for now. Nothing is worse than feeling unwell, so now is not the time to introduce changes. Your child will want extra comfort and cuddles during this time. You can always commence sleep training once your little one fully recovers and feels 100%.

If you are right in the middle of sleep training and making progress, it may be possible to continue with a few modifications. But it really does depend on the severity of the illness.

During periods of mild sickness, such as a light cold or teething, for example, you could continue with sleep training and increase the support for the next few days if needed. It is important to follow your child's lead as they may require additional physical and emotional reassurance and support during this time. If you have managed to do away with sleep associations, such as the dummy or having to rock your little one to sleep, I would recommend that you try not to reintroduce these sleep props.

In cases of more severe illness, such as fevers or stomach bugs, for example, it may be necessary to pause sleep training altogether and focus on your child's health and well-being. Ultimately, your child's comfort and recovery should be your top priority. You can always address sleep once your child is better.

It is common for children who can fall asleep independently to still require extra comfort when they are sick. However, this does not mean that they will forget how to fall asleep independently. It is perfectly normal for little ones to need some extra attention and care during times of sickness.

Extra comfort

Depending on the extent of your little one’s sickness, they may want more comfort and cuddles during this time. If you have progressed with sleep training, you can still offer support, but just be mindful of the level of support during periods of sleep. Where possible, you can still give your child the opportunity to fall asleep independently. It is all about supporting your little one as much as they need without doing more than necessary, and this will depend on the intensity of the sickness itself. Sleep can often be disrupted by sickness, so it is perfectly fine to go ahead and soothe your little one during these uncomfortable times. Just try to take one day at a time and support your child whilst they are unwell. After all, it is usually just a matter of days.

Offer extra sleep

Little ones often want extra sleep when they aren’t feeling well. Offering earlier bedtimes and extra daytime sleep is perfectly fine during this period. After all, sleep is healing.

Make sure that you rest, too

When your little one is unwell, it can be physically and emotionally demanding, so don't forget to take care of yourself. If you have a support system, please accept offers of help so you can recharge, too. It's essential that you rest where you can so that you can be there for your child when they need you.

Getting back on track with sleep once your little one is well

Some of you may have managed to carry on with responsive sleep training methods during short periods of sickness without too much disruption. However, for those of you who have had to hit the pause button or provide extra support during this time, it is absolutely possible to get back on track with sleep and routines once your little one has fully recovered and is symptom-free. With a little consistency and patience, children can re-learn the skill of independent sleeping.

To conclude

Prioritizing your child's health and wellbeing during their illness is paramount. It's important to provide them with the support and comfort they need and to trust your instincts regarding their care. Once your child is feeling better, you can get back to your routines and consistent parenting responses to ensure they get the sleep they need for their overall wellness and recovery. Remember, you know your child best, so trust your gut and do what feels right for them.

Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance with their sleep.