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December 08 2004
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Sleep Deprived Baby? Try Sunlight

 

For many parents, getting their baby to sleep at night can become a daunting task. Often times it seems that nothing will help; however, researchers may have discovered a natural remedy: Sunlight.

According to a study, babies exposed to twice as much light during the day (between noon and 4 pm) became better sleepers at night.

The study consisted of 55 babies who were monitored for three successive days at the age intervals of:

  • Six weeks old
  • Nine weeks old
  • 12 weeks old

Throughout the study, a light monitor was attached to each of the babies' cribs. Parents were advised to go about their usual routines, as well as keep a diary of their baby's sleep and crying patterns.

One theory explained the connection between light exposure and sleeping by stating that higher light levels encourage early development of the biological clock. This natural body clock regulates a wide range of bodily functions, such as the secretion of melatonin. Melatonin not only promotes sleep, but also plays an important role in well-balanced sleeping patterns.

Based on their findings, researchers concluded that healthy doses of daylight encourage babies to sleep at night. Thus, parents are advised to take their babies out in sunlight.

BBC News November 22, 2004



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Reading that sunlight helps babies sleep better at night comes as no surprise to me, as there are a number of health-benefits that are already linked to sunlight exposure, including:

The sun is an amazing healing source that is absolutely underappreciated in our current culture. If you love health half as much as I do, then I can not encourage you more to purchase The Healing Sun by Dr. Richard Hobday.

If you have been brainwashed by conventional medical wisdom into fearing the sun, this book will help you see the light about the value of proper sun exposure. Without question it is the single most important book on health I have read in a long time.

Further, most of you know I am especially fond of any natural therapies that are inexpensive and address the underlying causes of disease and it's hard to get more basic than sunshine. However, with the winter months currently upon us (providing minimal sunlight), you may be wondering what you can do to achieve these sun-related, vitamin D benefits as well as help your baby sleep at night.

Well folks, the safest way to maintain healthy vitamin D levels is through high quality cod liver oil. Taking a high quality cod liver oil is more important than any supplement you or your baby can take, because it is not a supplement: It is an essential food. However, you may not know where to begin in your search for high quality cod liver oil that will be good for you and your family.

In addition, if you are as time-challenged as I am, you may not have the time to do the homework it takes to confirm you're taking the best cod liver oil available. That's why highly recommend (and offer on this site) the superior quality of Carlson's cod liver oil.

Please also understand that improving your melatonin levels are key to getting a good night's sleep, so make sure you (and your baby) have exposure to bright sunlight in the daytime and sleep in absolute darkness at night. I strongly recommend installing black out shades and/or curtains in the bedrooms in your home. If you don't have them already installed you can go to the grocery store and cut out some large pieces of cardboard to fit your window.

Remember, no night-lights or clock radio lights and never turn on the light should you need to get up and use the rest room. Any small amount of light will instantly shut off melatonin production.

That is why the safest and most effective way to wake up in the morning, feeling refreshed and energized, is by the rising of the sun.


Read More about
the Sun Alarm Clock Now

With that in mind, I am excited to present The Sun Alarm™ SA-2002, which provides an ideal way to wake up each morning if you can't wake up with the REAL sun. I use this clock to get up in the morning -- not the typical alarm clocks which "startle" you out of sleep, a very unhealthy way to start any day.

Combining the features of a traditional alarm clock (digital display, AM/FM radio, beeper, snooze button, etc) with a special built-in light that gradually increases in intensity, this amazing clock simulates a natural sunrise. It also includes a sunset feature where the light fades to darkness over time -- ideal for kids or anyone who has trouble falling asleep.

Also, if you find that you suffer from sleep deprivation or are having difficultly falling asleep at night, I suggest checking out the various techniques offered in my Guide to a Good Night's Sleep.

Related Articles:

Finally, A Solution to Have Your Babies Sleep All Night Long

Sleep-Deprived Children More Prone to Injury

Less Than 8 Hours of Sleep May Not Hurt Health

Sleep In Early Life May Play Crucial Role In Brain Development

Tired of Not Being Able to Sleep? Here's a Real Solution

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