Last summer one of my daughters began having trouble falling asleep at night. This is a noteworthy occurrence at our house because we have always been blessed in that both girls are good sleepers. She began stressing about lying there trying to go to sleep, but being unable to do so.
I tried everything I could think of – nightlight on, nightlight off; music on, music off; lying on the bed with her for a few minutes; letting her read in bed; staying up a little later – you get the idea. I asked friends and family for suggestions, but came up empty.
Finally, I called my pediatrician, who happens to be the father of five, and asked for help. His suggestion? Put a fan in her room and turn it on medium speed. He said that would drown out any noises, or lack thereof, she may unconsciously be listening for and the sound of the fan would also be soothing. Why didn’t I think of that??
Guess what – it worked like a charm! Almost nine months later and she’s sleeping well. I do occasionally worry that she’ll become dependent on that white noise for falling asleep. I guess she’ll be dragging the thing with her when she goes off to college, but for now – having that fan running every night works for me!
Check out Works for Me Wednesday at We Are That Family for other great tips!
My brother, who is 49, takes a box fan with him wherever he goes so that he can go to sleep!
We use small fans on each of our older boys’ loft beds. The white noise does help them get to sleep. And when it doesn’t, it makes them talk to each other loud enough that I have learned some pretty interesting facts!!
I’ve used one most of my life and take one everywhere I go! Paul thinks it’s crazy, and he prefers silence to my “Cessna” (his nicknamae for it). (I actually wake up immediately if the power goes off.)
Also, if you’re ever without one…hotel room or ??…use a untuned channel on tv on a soft level of volume, or, of course, a bathroom vent. 🙂