Behavioral Sleep Issues in Children

A peaceful night’s sleep can feel like an elusive dream for families dealing with children who struggle to fall or stay asleep. Whether it’s resistance to bedtime, fears of the dark, or waking up multiple times in the night, behavioral sleep challenges are a common hurdle for many households. While these issues are not medical in nature, they can have a profound impact on a child’s development and a family’s well-being. If you’re navigating this tricky terrain, the World Association of Certified Sleep Consultants (WACSC) is an invaluable resource.

Who is WACSC?

The World Association of Certified Sleep Consultants is a collective of skilled sleep consultants. These professionals hail from diverse disciplines like education, psychology, and counseling. They come together under the WACSC umbrella to share insights, collaborate on solutions, and ultimately help families achieve restorative sleep.

Continual Learning and Innovation

WACSC is committed to keeping its members informed about the most effective, evidence-based approaches to managing behavioral sleep issues. This ensures that WACSC-certified consultants are not just following old playbooks but are actively incorporating the latest effective methods into their practices.

The Mission and Goals

WACSC operates with three cornerstone objectives:

Global Reach for Sleep Wellness

They aim to improve sleep health universally, recognizing the importance of cultural, environmental, and regional nuances.

Empowering Professionals

WACSC is not only a resource for parents but also a training hub for anyone who wants to become a sleep consultant.

Quality Assurance

Parents can trust the expertise of WACSC-certified consultants, thanks to the rigorous training process.

Typical Behavioral Sleep Hurdles in Children

Here is a look at some prevalent behavioral sleep challenges that child sleep consultants can assist with:

Avoidance of Bedtime – Whether due to fear or simply wanting to continue with daytime activities, many children are reluctant to head to bed.

Frequent Nighttime Waking – A common issue where children wake up multiple times and require parental intervention to go back to sleep.

Struggles with Self-Comfort – The inability to self-soothe can make it difficult for some children to fall asleep on their own or return to sleep after waking.

Irregular Sleep Schedules – Inconsistent bedtimes and wake times can throw off a child’s internal clock and make quality sleep harder to achieve.

Nighttime Anxiety – Worries about the dark or being alone can prevent children from relaxing enough to fall asleep.

Issues with Family Sleeping Arrangements – Co-sleeping or room-sharing can sometimes interfere with the sleep quality of both the child and the parents.

WACSC-certified consultants offer specialized guidance for these challenges, taking into account various factors that are unique to each family.

How Can WACSC Benefit You?

For parents, WACSC-certified consultants offer a tailored approach to solving your child’s specific sleep issues. They will consider various factors like your family’s daily routines, cultural practices, and your child’s unique temperament.

For those aspiring to become a certified sleep consultant, WACSC provides recommendations for training programs, equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel in this specialized field.

The World Association of Certified Sleep Consultants stands as a reputable and effective resource for parents and professionals alike. By focusing on the latest research, adhering to high standards of accreditation, and providing adaptable, real-world solutions, WACSC is helping to make better sleep a reality for families worldwide.