Creating a Winter Sleep Sanctuary: How to Help Your Child Sleep Better This Season
As winter settles in and the nights get longer, many families notice a shift in their child's sleep patterns. While the colder months can bring a cosy, restful vibe, they can also come with early wake-ups, bedtime resistance and restless nights.
The good news? Winter is actually the perfect season to create a calm, comforting sleep environment for your little one.
In this blog, I explore simple, effective ways to turn your child's sleep space into a Winter Sleep Sanctuary - so the whole family can get the rest they need.
Temperature: Keep it Just Right
When it comes to sleep, temperature matters - especially in winter.
Babies and children sleep best in a room that's between 16-20°C (60-68°F). Too cold and they may wake uncomfortable, too warm and it can increase the risk of overheating (especially for babies under 12 months).
Tips:
Use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature
Dress your child in breathable, layered sleepwear
Consider a tog-rated sleep sack instead of blankets for warmth and safety
Avoid hot water bottles or heaters near the cot/ bed
Embrace The Darkness
Winter's shorter days can actually help support your child's natural circadian rhythms - if you lean into it.
Darkness helps trigger melatonin, the body's sleep hormone. But streetlights, and even hallway lights can interfere with this natural process.
Tips:
Use blackout blinds to block out street light, and natural light if your little one goes down/ wakes up before it gets dark
Keep lights dim during the wind-down to bedtime
Avoid screens (TV, tablets, phones) in the hour before bed
Make it Cosy, Not Cluttered
A winter sleep sanctuary isn't just about warmth - it's about creating a space that feels safe, soothing and with low-stimulation.
Think soft lighting, calming colours, and a tidy space that signals "rest" to your child's brain.
Tips:
Use a soft, warm nightlight if needed (amber or red light)
Try a white noise machine to block out winter weather or household noise
A small bookshelf or cosy reading corner can help to support a gentle wind-down
Strengthen Your Bedtime Routine
The colder darker evenings make winter a great time to reset your bedtime routine. A predictable sequence of calm activities helps your child transition from play mode to sleep mode.
Tips:
A warm bath or shower
Pyjamas and a sleep sack
A quiet story or lullaby
Gentle cuddles and connection
Lights out at the same time every night
Consistency is key - even on weekends!
Watch for Overtiredness (and Early Wakes)
If your little one is waking at 5am, you're not alone - winter can trigger early morning wake-ups due to room temperature, hunger, and light exposure.
On the flip side, the darker evenings may tempt you to push bedtime later to avoid those early wakings, which can lead to over tiredness and more night waking.
Tips:
Maintain consistent wake and sleep times
Don't be afraid to bring bedtime earlier if naps have been short or disrupted
Look out for signs of over tiredness (crankiness, hyperactivity, difficulty settling) and adjust wake windows accordingly
Final Thoughts
Creating a winter sleep sanctuary doesn't mean a total overhaul - just a few small changes can make a big difference.
Winter is a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and gently improve your child's sleep environment. If you're still facing sleep challenges, you don't have to go it alone.
As a certified sleep consultant I help families build age appropriate routines, troubleshoot night wakings, and find what actually works for their unique child - without stress or pressure.
Need support with sleep this winter?
Let's chat about how I can help you and your family get more rest. Book a free sleep assessment call.
Here's to warmer blankets, darker rooms, and much better sleep.
Warmly,
Olivia x
Sleep Nanny Certified Sleep Consultant and Mum of Two
