Did you know that poor sleep can make abdominal pain worse in kids? Whether your child has IBS, IBD, or frequent unexplained belly aches, sleep might be part of the puzzle.
So how can we improve sleep and possibly ease those tummy troubles?
Start here:
• Get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (but avoid exercise within two hours of bedtime)
• Avoid caffeine, especially in the evening
• Skip large, heavy, or spicy meals before bed
• Choose a bedtime that works for your child’s real schedule—consistency matters more than perfection
• Stick to the same sleep and wake times on weekdays and weekends
• Ask your doctor if melatonin might help
• Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light disrupts natural sleep cycles
And what about the bedroom environment?
• Remove TVs, tablets, and gaming devices from the bedroom
• Consider white noise for calming background sound
• Keep the bedroom as dark as possible—blackout curtains can help
• A bedside journal can be a great tool for anxious minds that have trouble winding down
Parents—what’s worked for you?
Have you noticed a connection between your child’s sleep and their GI symptoms? What routines help your child fall and stay asleep?
Share your tips or challenges below. Your story might help another family navigating the same journey.
So how can we improve sleep and possibly ease those tummy troubles?
Start here:
• Get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (but avoid exercise within two hours of bedtime)
• Avoid caffeine, especially in the evening
• Skip large, heavy, or spicy meals before bed
• Choose a bedtime that works for your child’s real schedule—consistency matters more than perfection
• Stick to the same sleep and wake times on weekdays and weekends
• Ask your doctor if melatonin might help
• Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light disrupts natural sleep cycles
And what about the bedroom environment?
• Remove TVs, tablets, and gaming devices from the bedroom
• Consider white noise for calming background sound
• Keep the bedroom as dark as possible—blackout curtains can help
• A bedside journal can be a great tool for anxious minds that have trouble winding down
Parents—what’s worked for you?
Have you noticed a connection between your child’s sleep and their GI symptoms? What routines help your child fall and stay asleep?
Share your tips or challenges below. Your story might help another family navigating the same journey.
