KIDS & BABIES

KEEP YOUR BABY’S SWEET DREAMS COMING – DESPITE RHINITIS

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Sleep is considered as vital for recharging your body and mind – for adults, children and babies alike. Without a proper night’s sleep, we are normally sluggish, easily irritated and not able to perform at our best. Help your little boy or girl to sleep well, even during a case of rhinitis, also known as a cold.

Let’s first take a look at why optimal sleep is essential for normal growth and development, for emotional heath and proper functioning of the immune system. Sleep is a period of intense brain activity. In fact, the brain is more active during sleep than it is while you are awake. Infants and young children spend a majority of their time asleep, suggesting that sleep is vital for the developing brain and body.

The sleep-and-wake cycle of newborns is different than those of an older infant or child. At birth, this rhythm is not fully established, therefore, they can easily fall asleep during the daytime hours. A normal, full-term newborn sleeps about 16 to 18 hours per day. And the pattern of sleep is coordinated with feeding times. All in all, a child has spent more tome sleeping than in all wakeful activities combined.

Signs of baby’s battle with rhinitis

When your baby is congested, they naturally will not be able to sleep well – just like adults. When an infant has rhinitis, an inflammation in the nose which causes the nose to become blocked, you’ll find that they do not feed as long as normally. Poorer sleep than usual, a runny nose and sneezing are all signs that your little one is feeling under the weather. 

Nasal decongestant to the rescue

You can help your baby with their battle against rhinitis simply by taking measures to help unblock the nose. With an unblocked nose, your little boy or girl will be able to breath, eat and sleep better.

You can purchase nasal decongestants created especially for babies’ little button nose from your local pharmacy. The active ingredient in these is in a lower concentrate than for adults, making it suitable for your baby. The decongestant should ideally work quickly.

An effective solution is an isotonic saline spray. You can use it to rinse out the nose, cleansing it to help eliminate any blockage. 

Other ways you can help baby sleep better

There are other steps you can take to help clear your little one’s nose. These include providing adequate liquids or placing a humidifier in the room during sleep or play time. 

Source:

Davis KF et al. Sleep in infants and young children: Part One: Normal sleep. J Pediatric Health Care. (2004). 18, 65-71

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