a.) The room should be absolutely quiet. It is worthwhile to put soundproof tile on the ceiling and seal all places where noise can get through.  If it is impossible to eliminate all noise from the room, then use music and/or environmental sounds.
b.) Soft slow music such as Mozart’s Sleepytime Music Box or other soft classical or New Age Music will induce sleep.  If you use classical music make sure it doesn’t go from slow and soft to fast and loud.  Not all-classical music is good for sleep.
c.) A waterfall in the child’s room.  You can purchase small portable waterfalls or rock gardens with a pond that have a re-circulating pump and create the sound of live running water.  These are self-contained and the water is constantly in motion without needing any plumbing connections, because a pump re-circulates the water.
d.) An aquarium with fish in it that has the kind of filter that makes a small waterfall. Then you have the sound of water AND fish to look at.
e.)  Recordings of soft nature sounds such as water and crickets helps to induce sleep.

In sleep the breathing is slow and deep with the belly rising and falling.  Try to help the child to breathe this way and sleep will soon follow. Things that help this are:
a.) Make sure the breathing passages are clear, so the child can breathe naturally through the nose.  Breathing through the mouth makes the throat dry and uncomfortable.
b.) If it’s winter and you have a heated home, a humidifier will keep the air natural and comfortable to breathe.
c.) There are aromas you can purchase in the form of aromatic oils or packs of dried plants such as sage, dried flowers etc.  Natural Pine needles are also good, oil fragrances that are good are eucalyptus and peppermint.  If you can let the child pick one out in the store that’s even better.
d.) Cleansers and chemicals.  Even those nice smelling ones can be VERY toxic.  Some researchers believe that these “cleansers” and “air sprays” weaken the entire body and immune system at least a little. Others believe they weaken the body a lot.  Over the years one can “mysteriously” not feel well and the doctors can find no reason.  The reason for this mysterious “not feeling well’ is years of pollution by household “cleansers” and air “fresheners” Your house can be just as clean with natural cleaners and the smell of fresh or dried flowers instead of sprays.
e.) Tobacco smoke; yes your child doesn’t smoke BUT if anyone in the house smokes near the child the child gets nicotine through the air. Nicotine is a POWERFUL stimulant to a small child and will prevent sleep every time.
f.) Don’t use anything artificial that has chemicals.  Most chemicals are slightly or very toxic.  Even though they don’t cause obvious symptoms, they are not natural to the body and create stress, which can prevent sleep.

a.) Comfort: Make certain the bed, pajamas, sheets, covers or anything that touches the child is comfortable. Anything hard or “itchy” should be replaced with something soft and snuggly.  Take the child shopping to pick out their own pajamas and blanket there is great psychological value in taking the child shopping to by his/ her own pajamas, sheets, blankets etc.
b.) Hug, and cuddle the child so he/she feels loved and secure.  Scientific studies have shown that If there is not enough tactile affection the child does not feel loved and feels stress, which inhibits sleep.  Let them feel loved and cared for by your touch.
c.) Massage the child to induce relaxation, which is the main factor in sleep.  Gentle massage relaxes and puts them to sleep.
d.) The acupressure point for sleep is on the inside of the wrist about 2 inches from where the hand meets the wrist on an adult.  Depending on the child’s’ size it will be less than 2 inches from the wrist.  You will know it because it is a “valley” and if you press there it goes deeper down than the surrounding area.  Just massage and gently press this point for a few minutes to induce sleep.
e.) Sesame Oil massaged into the soles of the feet with a gentle rubbing motion induces sleep quickly.  This is an Ayurvedic remedy from India.
f.) If they want a teddy bear or doll, let them have it, no matter what age.
g.) The room should be not too hot, or cold.
h.)  Rocking the child in your arms or in a cradle.  Kids love motion like this and it helps them to fall asleep.

a.) Herbal teas Chamomile Peppermint Spearmint or other herbal tea that has no caffeine is good for the child.  Don’t make it too hot as you would for an adult and don’t put in too much sugar.
b.) Medications including aspirin produce stress on the body and keep it from relaxing.  Don’t go against your doctor, but use as few drugs or medicines as possible.  These only suppress the symptoms and don’t cure anyway.  It’s hard to get a medicine without a side effect.  Often the side effect is counter to sleep.
c.) Vitamin C and Zinc and fresh fruits will cure a cold naturally.  Coughs and asthma are cured in many people by cutting out anything made with white flour and / or sugar.  Try these natural remedies first.
d.)  Caffeine:  Your child may not drink coffee or tea, BUT most carbonated beverages have caffeine which can keep the child from sleeping.  Don’t give them at least 4 hours before bedtime.  Better yet not at all.  Iced herbal teas taste better and are healthier.
e.) Sugar:  The health hazards of sugar for the teeth, body and mind, are becoming more and more known.  Sugar occurs naturally in fruits and in this form it is fine.  BUT refined sugar is VERY bad for the child.  It causes alternate mood swings of hyperactivity and depressed lethargy.  ALL refined sugar should be avoided!  It’s not easy to do because it’s in most breakfast cereals, cookies cakes ice cream and most packaged foods, but it’s well worth the effort for a healthier child both physically and emotionally.
f.) ALCOHOL Yes I know junior doesn’t drink, BUT some Cough Medicines and other medicines contain alcohol which acts as a stimulant to kids and prevent sleep.  Sleep is more important for the body to heal itself that a medicine.  Medicines ONLY suppress the symptoms, they do NOT cure them.  The body cures itself when given the proper emotional environment, nutrition, rest and exercise.
g.) VITAMINS the body needs vitamins to live.  The average American diet does NOT supply all the vitamins necessary for good health.  This stresses the body and hinders sleep.  Children need vitamin supplements even more than adults.
h.)  Water:  Let the child drink water.  If they have to get up in the middle of the night, let it be O.K. A thirsty child can not fall asleep easily.
i.) Don’t eat for at least 2 hours before bedtime.  This way the “business” of digestion is done and the child can sleep.