The importance of sleep for children's health.

OUR CHILDREN'S SLEEP HABITS

NATUROPATHIC APPROACH TO SLEEP ISSUES IN CHILDREN GOOD SLEEP NUTRIENTS

There are some nutrients that are fundamental in producing good sleep chemistry in our children and adults, these are:

ZINC ~ zinc unfortunately is less and less available in our soil, so is therefore quite low in our food, however oysters are a good source of zinc, but getting kids to eat oysters regularly can be a challenge. I suggest a supplement, please feel free to email me and Ill recommend the best supplement for your child.

MAGNESIUM ~ magnesium is a nervous system relaxant, it helps to relax muscles and induce good sleep. I often throw my kids into an Epsom salt bath when we have had a over-stimulated day and they inevitably go off to sleep with a little less fussing! Foods rich in magnesium are green leafy vegetables, fruit like figs, avocado, bananas and berries.

CALCIUM ~ calcium is a nervous system sedative, it helps to calm excitary nuero- transmitters in our brain so can be helpful for the overthinking children. Calcium can be found in nuts and seeds, dairy products, green leafy vegetables and sardines.

IRON ~ iron is very important for transporting oxygen around the body and especially to the brain. When there isn’t enough oxygen to the brain you wont drop into your deepest level of sleep. Iron rich foods are organ meats, grass fed red meats, green leafy vegetables, dried figs, sultanas and goji berries.

RECIPE 1 cup organic rolled oats ¼ cup pepitas 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds 2 tablespoons chia seeds ½ cup shredded coconut 3 tablespoons organic coconut oil 1/3rd cup maple syrup or honey

Preheat oven 160C Line baking tray

Melt maple syrup or honey, coconut oil and vanilla essence Combine both the wet and dry ingredients Press into a 20cm square tin Bake 15mins Remove from oven and allow to cool completely Cut into 12 bars and store in an air tight container