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Helping your child get a restful night's sleep

10th November 2014 Print
Lexie Marshall aged nine.

A lack of sleep can have serious effects on a child’s health from behaviour problems and mood swings to slower reaction times and lower concentration levels.

For many children and their parents, getting to sleep at night can be a daily battle that leads to increased stress levels in the family, but watching a soothing light circulating on the ceiling, could be the key to helping youngsters get the shut eye they need.

The LightSleeper product is a small device that projects a soothing light on the ceiling. The light moves in a circular motion above the bed, and for children struggling to snooze following the light with their eyes for a few minutes, will help them drift off.

A product designer with insomnia developed the natural sleep aid and as Shaun Cobb from LightSleeper explains, it has a proven track record.

He said: “By following the light the device projects onto the ceiling, it has the effect of relaxing the mind which is a necessary prerequisite to entering a deep, refreshing sleep.

“We’ve been testing LightSleeper in real situations for many months now and it has proven itself to be effective for adults and children, both in getting people to sleep in the first place, as well as helping them get back to sleep when they wake up in the middle of the night.”

Nine-year-old Lexie Marshall had difficulties getting to sleep at night and Louisa, her mum explains, they tried everything to get her to settle but nothing worked.

Louisa said: “Lexie loves her sleep but her problem is getting to sleep. She would lie awake for hours and used to get so frustrated and angry about just lying there and not being able to sleep.

“This often left her feeling tired and she couldn’t be bothered to do things, especially after a day at school. She didn’t have much energy and seemed to lack any get up and go.”

Louisa decided to give the LightSleeper a go and it has made a massive difference to Lexie: “Lexie loves using the Lightsleeper and puts it on herself every night. She finds it really easy to use herself and is now drifting off to sleep almost straight away every night.

“Lexie was really willing to give the LightSleeper a try and it has definitely worked for her. Her mood is better in the morning, she seems to have more energy and is more enthusiastic about school activities.”

LightSleeper works by relaxing the mind to prepare users to get to sleep easily so they can enjoy a more restful, refreshing night of sleep.

Dr Jennifer Parkin, a cognitive psychologist with a research background in the impact of the physical environment on productivity and wellbeing said:

“Sleep loss caused by difficulty dropping off to sleep can have a devastating impact on cognitive performance the following day, as well as affecting mood and wellbeing. If it happens night after night, it can also have a significant negative effect on long-term health.

“The reason LightSleeper is so effective is that it provides a focus for your thoughts, and is sufficiently engaging to stop your mind wandering as it doesn’t risk stimulating arousal centres in the brain that could prolong wakefulness.”

LightSleeper switches itself off after 30 minutes so not only is it energy efficient, but users won’t have to worry about turning it off, helping gain a natural sleep rhythm back. A quick tap will start the device up again.

It can be easily carried in a bag and taken on holiday and is rechargeable so doesn’t need to be plugged in.

LightSleeper is priced at £132 and is available at lightsleeper.co.uk with free delivery and a free 14-day home trial. For more information, visit lightsleeper.co.uk or go to LightSleeper on Facebook or follow on Twitter @Light__Sleeper.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Lexie Marshall aged nine.