Christmas Eve is perhaps the most exciting night of a young child's year - which makes getting them to sleep as they await Santa's arrival a little challenging. According to experts at Viabiotics, the excitement of Christmas triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and adrenaline, which can make children feel more alert.
![[To help combat anxiety and excitement in young children, Gibson recommends a bath, gentle music, reading or selecting bedtime stories that are calming rather than exciting (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/11/93422407-14220739-image-a-13_1734953343754.jpg)
Sleep expert Dave Gibson has shared his in-depth strategies to help parents get their children to drop off on the magical night. His eight tips include setting a later bedtime in the days leading up at Christmas, sticking to regular routines and advice for managing anxiety and excitement.
![[Sleep expert Dave Gibson (pictured) has shared his tips for getting children to sleep on Christmas Eve]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/17/93435749-14220739-image-m-50_1734976624324.jpg)
Gibson says: 'For parents with young children, Christmas Eve is possibly the most difficult night of the year for getting a good night’s sleep. 'The excitement of Santa's impending arrival overstimulates children, making it harder for them to fall asleep.
'Add the broken sleep patterns, early waking to open gifts, and the fear of missing out on the festive fun downstairs, and you have a challenging combination.'. Here, he shares his complete guide to help both children and parents get a restful night's sleep this Christmas Eve.
Renowned sleep expert, Dave Gibson, has teamed up with Viabiotics to share his in-depth strategies to help parents get their children to sleep on Christmas Eve (stock image). Consistency is especially important in a child's sleep routine during the festive season, Gibson says.
