الموسيقى ونوم الأطفال: التهويدة جزء من روتين دافئMusic and children's sleep: the lullaby as part of a warm routine

The lullaby is one of the oldest forms of music in every culture. Does it help children sleep?

Routine comes first

A scientific review of bedtime routines in young children concludes that a consistent nightly routine is linked with better sleep and wider benefits for language, emotions and the parent-child bond. Its elements include bathing, reading, singing and lullabies, and cuddling.

What about music on its own?

Direct evidence for healthy children at home is limited. Most studies took place in hospitals, such as a trial with premature babies in intensive care, where calm live sounds and lullabies led by specialists were linked with improvements in some vital signs, sleep and feeding. In adults, the Cochrane review suggests music may improve sleep quality. So we say it honestly: music is a lovely part of a routine, not a magic fix.

Safe tips for parents

• Very low volume, with the speaker away from the child's head; no earphones for young children.
• Calm, slow music without sudden changes, or your own voice, which your child prefers.
• The same track at the same time each night, so it becomes a sleep cue.
• Use a timer to switch the music off after 20 to 30 minutes.
• If your child has ongoing sleep problems, talk to your paediatrician.

We make calm instrumental lullabies on the oud and, if you like, can draw on a song you sing to your child.