The Power of Play: How Pediatric Physical Therapy & Sleep Consulting Work Together
Dr. Laura Daniels PT, DPT, Pediatric Sleep Expert
Hello there! For those who don’t know me, I’m Laura, a Doctor of Pediatric Physical Therapy with 6 years of clinical experience, and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. Over the years, I've had the honor of assisting hundreds of families in both areas of functional daytime play and nighttime rest. What if I told you that these seemingly separate aspects of your child's life are deeply interconnected? Today, I'm thrilled to dive into the fascinating synergy between these two realms and share practical strategies to enhance both your child's development and sleep patterns.
Alignment of Developmental Milestones
From rolling over to taking those first steps, your child's physical development is a remarkable journey. But did you know that these milestones are closely linked to their sleep patterns? By integrating physical therapy techniques that enhance gross motor skills with sleep strategies, we ensure that your child's development is supported by healthy sleep patterns.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that infants who engaged in regular tummy time during the day were more likely to sleep through the night by the age of 6 months!
I recommend aiming for 60 minutes per day by the time they are 2 months old!
As a sleep coach, I guide families to adopt an "EAT, PLAY, SLEEP" schedule, strategically allocating time between wake windows. This structured approach ensures that children receive nourishment and engage in meaningful gross motor activities to tire them out, leading to more peaceful naps and restful overnight sleep.
Have you ever noticed that sleep regressions often coincide with significant milestones in gross motor development? From the 4-month regression when babies are learning to roll, to the 8-month regression during the crawling and pulling-to-stand phase, each developmental leap can impact sleep. At 12 months, as they start walking, and again at 18 months, when running and climbing become their new adventures, sleep might be disrupted. And let's not forget the challenges at 2 years when they're mastering more coordinated skills like jumping! That's why I've dedicated a whole story highlight to each regression on my Instagram, packed with helpful sleep regression tips, with ways to navigate it with developmental and gross motor activities. Check it out here!
Sensory Integration
Sensory experiences play a crucial role in regulating your child's nervous system, which directly impacts their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Engaging in sensory activities during the day stimulates your child's senses, helping them process information and prepare for restful sleep.
According to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, sensory-based interventions have been shown to improve sleep outcomes in children with sensory processing difficulties.
Here’s a few ideas of both sensory & gross motor play:
Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course with pillows to crawl over, tunnels to crawl through, and cushions to jump onto. Add sensory elements like textured mats or sensory bins.
Water Play with Sponges and Buckets: Set up a water play station with buckets of water and sponges. Toddlers can squeeze and splash water while transferring it from one container to another, improving their gross motor skills and sensory perception of water.
Dance Party with Scarves: Put on some music and have a dance party with colorful scarves. Toddlers can dance, twirl, and move their bodies while holding and waving the scarves, enhancing gross motor skills and sensory awareness of movement and rhythm.
Sleep & Play Optimized Environments
Your child's sleep environment plays a significant role in their ability to get quality rest. But did you know that their daytime play environment can also influence their sleep patterns? Designing a play space that promotes both active engagement and relaxation sets the stage for a restful sleep environment. Create a play space with versatile elements like soft mats for active play and cozy corners for quiet time to encourage both energy release and relaxation. Incorporate some of my favorite sensory toys with calming colors, and adjustable lighting to enhance the transition from play to bedtime.
A sleep-optimized environment features a dark, quiet, and cool space with blackout curtains, white noise machines, and a temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 degrees Celsius). Comfortable bedding, decluttered surroundings, and a calming bedtime routine further promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. Here are some of my favorite sleep must-haves!
Managing Energy Levels
Balancing your child's energy levels throughout the day is essential for promoting healthy sleep habits. Engaging in high-energy play helps your child expend excess energy, making it easier for them to settle down and relax when it's time for bed.
However, it's equally important to incorporate calming activities into their daily routine to help them wind down before bedtime. Activities like storytelling, gentle stretching, cuddling/reading, or listening to soft music signal to your child's body that it's time to transition to sleep mode, leading to more restful nights.
Addressing Behavioral Challenges
Research published in The Journal of Pediatrics indicates that children with delays or difficulties in gross motor skills are more likely to experience behavioral challenges at night, such as bedtime resistance and frequent night waking.
By addressing these challenges through targeted physical therapy interventions, we can alleviate behaviors that may disrupt sleep and help your child rest more soundly.
For example, if your child struggles with coordination to catch a ball, or balance walking up and down steps during the day, they may experience more frustration or anxiety at bedtime. By incorporating functional gross motor activities that target these specific areas of development, your child may feel more confident and secure, leading to improved sleep outcomes.
Promoting Independence
Encouraging your child to participate in age-appropriate physical activities not only promotes their physical development but also fosters independence and self-confidence. This newfound sense of autonomy can positively impact their ability to self-soothe and sleep through the night.
For toddlers and young children, engaging in activities like climbing, jumping, and exploring their surroundings helps them develop spatial awareness and confidence in their abilities. By providing opportunities for independent play, you empower your child to navigate their environment with confidence, leading to better sleep habits and overall well-being.
The Special Needs Community
For families with children who have special needs, tailored strategies are essential to support their unique developmental journey. As a pediatric physical therapist with experience working with children of all abilities, I understand the importance of individualized care and support.
Whether your child has sensory processing challenges, mobility issues, or developmental delays, I'm experienced in providing personalized recommendations and strategies to promote both physical development and healthy sleep habits. By collaborating with you and your child's healthcare team, I can create help create a comprehensive sleep plan that addresses their specific needs and promotes optimal growth and rest. If you’re interested in my support packages, check them out here!
Family Dynamics & Routine
Consistent routines and family involvement are essential for creating a supportive environment that promotes healthy sleep habits. Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Involve the whole family in creating and maintaining bedtime rituals, such as reading a bedtime story, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in calming activities together. By fostering a sense of security and predictability, you help your child feel safe and relaxed, leading to better sleep outcomes for the entire family.
By recognizing the intrinsic connection between pediatric physical therapy and sleep consulting, we can unlock the power of play to promote healthy development and restful sleep for our children. Together, let's empower our children to thrive, both day and night!
Ready to transform bedtime struggles into sleep success? Follow @bedtime.wishes on Instagram for expert insights on pediatric development & pediatric sleep tips that promote optimal sleep for the whole family!
By: Dr. Laura Daniels PT, DPT, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
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