Tired parents need help getting their children sleep

Over three quarters (78%) of parents say that lack of sleep is the hardest aspect of being a new parent. Some mums, dads and carers claim they would pay more than £10,000 to put an end to sleepless nights.

• Nearly 80% of mums and dads say lack of sleep is hardest part of being a parent
• Parents would pay thousands to end sleepless nights
• 3 in 5 parents want guidance and advice

More than a third of parents (35%) view getting their child to sleep at night as one of the most challenging things about being a parent. Half of parents say that their child wakes up at least three times a night on average. Because of these concerns and dilemmas 3 in 5 (60%) of parents want guidance on having a consistent and successful routine to get their child to sleep at night.

The findings came from a BookTrust survey of a thousand parents with children aged three. In order to try and combat concerns, we have teamed up with parenting expert Jo Frost to launch Bath, Book, Bed. The campaign aims to encourage parents to stick to a simple bedtime routine with a soothing story to help their little ones sleep.

Additional research shows that regular language-based bedtime routines are associated with children's increased sleep duration. Singing, reading and storytelling can help sleep in young children. Positive outcomes from a regular routine include less wakings during the night and longer sleep durations.

Jo Frost, who has been a nanny for more than 20 years, said:

Sleep deprivation is the most common complaint I hear from parents of young children. Tired parents and tired children is a recipe for disaster. But the solution doesn't need to be complicated regimes or expensive gizmos. A routine as simple as bath, book, bed can get young children to settle so that everyone can benefit from a good night's sleep.

Surprisingly, more than 7 in 10 (71%) parents with children aged three and under feel they have a shorter temper when they are tired.

Jo continued:

Routines establish healthy boundaries so when families come together at night, bonding and reading together, it not only helps put an end to sleepless nights, but strengthens children's vocabulary and literacy skills, and enables them to foster a love of reading. It is my hope that families understand the enormous impact they can make in their children's lives with a few minutes of fun reading each night.