Soaring Child – Thriving With ADHD

Because we believe that every child – ADHD or not – deserves the opportunity to soar. 

 

35 – Sleep Techniques for the Whole Family with Kim West

ADHD Thrive Institute
ADHD Thrive Institute
35 - Sleep Techniques for the Whole Family with Kim West
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On this week’s edition of Soaring Child, we’re joined by Kim West, the best-selling author of The Sleep Lady’s Goodnight Sleep Tight. She’s been training gentle sleep coaches internationally since 2010 and has been featured on Dr. Phil and Good Morning America as a leading child’s sleep expert.

So many kids with ADHD struggle with sleep, which in turn affects the parents’ sleep as well. In fact, more than 50% of non-neurotypical kids have behavioral sleep problems. 

When our bodies go to sleep, they work on our immune system and with kids, the body often produces growth hormones during sleep. The body is also working on memory, retention, storage and organization during sleep, as well as short-term learning.

So when a child is sleep-deprived, it makes it harder for them to learn, to remember, and to pay attention, basically exacerbating ADHD symptoms. Many other conditions also affect sleep like asthma (and asthma meds), obstructive sleep apnea, gut issues, reflux, restless leg syndrome, and eczema.

Kim’s gentle sleep method has the parent stay in the room with the child while they learn, but then does less and less as the child learns to put themselves to sleep. It’s important to follow through with consistency.

She also recommends getting at least 8 hours of sleep, while going to bed and waking up at the same time. She also suggests having a routine before sleep to trigger melatonin in the body. These tips work for kids as well as adults.

 Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

[4:45] The mechanics of falling asleep

[8:45] Why kids with ADHD are affected more from sleep deprivation

[14:16] Kim’s Gentle Sleep Method

[16:48] Most common underlying conditions that may be contributing to sleep issues

[19:02] Most common signs of sleep apnea

[26:30] Guide of how many hours of sleep a child needs at different ages

[28:20] Good sleep hygiene tips

[37:28] Kim West’s upcoming books

[39:56] How naps affect sleep

 

 

Memorable Quotes:

“We are dealing with children that have problems with attention. They have an attention deficit. So when you have a kid that’s not sleeping well, it affects it even more.”

“That growth, that repair of the brain and the body is so important and is happening while we’re sleeping.”

“I developed a method where you stay with them while they learn. You do less and less and move away as they incorporate the skill of putting themselves to sleep.”

“Probably what’s most important is that we follow through with consistency.”

“Having a routine actually helps tell the brain to start secreting melatonin, the drowsy making hormone that helps you start getting ready for sleep.”

 

How to connect with Elaine:

http://www.facebook.com/TheSleepLady

https://instagram.com/thesleeplady/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSleepLady1/

http://www.pinterest.com/thesleeplady/

 

Guest Resources:

Kim West, LCSW-C, is a mom of two who has been a practicing child and family social worker for over 25 years. She has personally helped over twenty thousand families all over the world gently teach their children how to fall asleep—and fall back asleep without leaving them to cry it out alone. She is the author of the best selling book The Sleep Lady’s Good Night Sleep Tight: She started training Gentle Sleep Coaches internationally in 2010 and has appeared as a child sleep expert on numerous magazines, newspapers, and television programs including Dr. Phil, TODAY, and Good Morning America.

 

Dana Kay Resources: 

Website – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

You’re Invited to Join This Free ADHD Support Grouphttps://adhdthriveinstitute.com/2022/04/19/youre-invited-to-join-this-free-adhd-support-group/

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ABOUT THE SOARING CHILD PODCAST

Dive into a unique podcast experience where we explore innovative and natural strategies to support children with ADHD.

The Soaring Child Podcast hosted by Dana Kay, offers you a chance to listen in on conversations that could change the way you think about ADHD management.

Dana Kay, board certified health & nutrition practitioner, author of the best selling book Thriving with ADHD: A guide to naturally reducing ADHD symptoms In your child, leading ADHD expert but most importantly a mom with a child with ADHD who gets it.

As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts.

Her goal with the Soaring Child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life.

Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child.

 

 

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