Homeopathy

SLEEP

Tamar Henryby
•
SLEEP

Hands up, who has ever had a child—young or older—struggle with sleep? You’re definitely not alone; sleep challenges are incredibly common at all stages of childhood.

Sleep, for children is crucial for a number of reasons – for physical growth, brain development, and emotional regulation. However, it can often be disturbed due to a variety of factors. Common causes include overtiredness, where children become too stimulated and find it hard to wind down. Inconsistent routines or irregular bedtimes can also interfere with their natural sleep-wake cycles. Dietary factors, such as sugars, processed foods or caffeine intake (think chocolate), can overstimulate the nervous system. Emotional stress, anxiety, or overstimulation from screen time before bed can also disrupt sleep. Younger children may experience night terrors, separation anxiety, or growth spurts that affect rest. Environmental factors like noise, light, or even temperature can make falling or staying asleep difficult. Nutrient deficiencies, such as magnesium or iron are increasingly common, and can also play a role. Identifying and addressing the root cause is essential in supporting restful and restorative sleep in children.

TOP HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ACONITE

  • Wakes up suddenly: crying, calling out, terrified, trembling
  • Can start after a shock, hearing bad news, experiencing a fright
  • Inability to fall back asleep after a scare or bad dream
  • Intense anxiety, fear or panic, especially fear of being alone, the dark or death
  • Worse after midnight, from cold exposure, or being left alone
  • Better from comfort, parent or caregivers love and attention, warmth

Indicated for: sudden-onset sleep disturbances

AVENA SATIVA

  • Trouble falling asleep due to mental overactivity or nervous tension
  • Light, disturbed sleep, wakes easily
  • Often seen after emotional stress, illness or teething
  • Beneficial for children with ADHD and/or who are prone to nervous exhaustion and irritability
  • Worse for overstimulation
  • Better with quiet and soothing nighttime environment

Indicated for: sleeplessness and restlessness due to nervous exhaustion

CALCAREA PHOS

  • Restless sleep from physical discomfort, especially in limbs or bones
  • Complaints of leg pains at night (growing pains)
  • Can have soreness in joints or back
  • Sleep disturbed by teething discomfort, especially in older infants or toddlers
  • Worse at night, for cold air, and after exertion
  • Better for massage, stretching his or her legs, warmth

Indicated for: sleep disturbances related to growing pains, teething, and restlessness

COFFEA CRUDA

  • Child can’t fall asleep due to a “tired but wired” mind
  • Excitable, talkative, planning or storytelling in bed
  • Tossing and turning in bed
  • Child may complain of too much energy in his/her body
  • Worse for excitement, light, mental stimulation, noise
  • Better for fresh air (open window), quiet reassurance, a dark room

Indicated for: sleep that is disrupted by mental over‑activity

PASSIFLORA

  • Difficulty settling due to inner restlessness or worry
  • Clinginess at bedtime, wants his/her parent or caregiver close
  • Child may complain of “butterflies” or “jumpy” feeling
  • Fearful dreams or nightmares 
  • Worse for being left alone, darkness, silence
  • Better for being held or reassured, gentle rocking

Indicated for: sleep that is disrupted by anxiety, fears, or frequent nightmares

REMEDY COMBINATION

Combination remedies for sleep are formulated to address multiple symptoms simultaneously, making them especially useful when the exact cause of sleep disturbance is unclear. They offer a gentle, broad-spectrum approach that can support relaxation, reduce restlessness, and promote more restful sleep in children. Here are two that I like and recommend: Helios Sleep and Bach’s Rescue Kids Night.

WORKING WITH A HOMEOPATH

  • Ensures you receive a individualised remedy that matches your child’s presenting symptoms. Guides you in choosing the right potency/dosage. Offers you on-going support.
  • Monitors progress, adjusting remedies and or potency/dosage if needed. For complex or chronic conditions, a homeopath’s expertise helps uncover potentially more deep-rooted causes. 
  • Personally, I offer nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations, where appropriate, to compliment the homeopathic approach.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

  • Try to limit screen time 2 hours before bed. Blue light from tablets/TVs disrupts melatonin production. Opt for quiet play, or family or lone reading instead.
  • Create a calming bedtime routine. A consistent sequence (bath, pajamas, healthy snack, storytime, or reading for older kids) signals to the body it’s time to wind down.
  • Mindful breathing or story meditation can help children unwind mentally and emotionally.

NUTRITION SUPPORT

  • Magnesium-rich foods help calm the nervous system and muscles. Choose from avocados, bananas, leafy greens, oats, pumpkin seeds etc.
  • A light, balanced snack before bed may help avoid nighttime waking due to hunger. Try a banana, a nut butter sandwich, or a small bowl of porridge for example.
  • Hydration is so very important. Ensure adequate water intake during the day to avoid dehydration-related restlessness at night.