Good nights: optimising children’s health through bedtime stories

Abstract

Fairy tales offer opportunities to engage with children about healthy and disordered sleep, say Megan Thomas and colleagues Healthy sleep is a public health priority, with at least a third of children and adults reporting insufficient sleep.12 It is essential for children’s growth and development and optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Consistent bedtime routines, with a calming activity before bed, such as a bedtime story, can promote healthy sleep.3 Some traditional fairy tales and classic children’s fiction that have soothed many a child to sleep may also include information about the benefits of sleep and the characteristics of sleep disorders, providing accessible and engaging ways for parents or carers, healthcare providers, and educators to discuss healthy sleep with children. In perhaps the best known fairy tale about sleep, its healing and restorative powers are illustrated by Sleeping Beauty’s full recovery from a life threatening prick to her finger after a long and deep slumber. Snow White runs away from a wicked queen and lives with seven little men named by Walt Disney as Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. There are many different causes of short …