How to Help Kids with Eczema Sleep Better

“How can I help my kids with eczema sleep better?” This is a question I’ve been asked time and time again—and one I asked myself during some of the toughest nights with my own kids.

Sleep is one of the most basic human needs, yet for a long time in my home, it felt out of reach. I remember those sleepless nights, caught in a cycle of crying, scratching, soothing, and endless research. Two of my children were battling severe eczema—one a newborn and the other just two years old—and the exhaustion was relentless.

While I never had the opportunity to work with Dana Obleman personally, I was fortunate to sit down with her for the Eczema Kids Podcast. Dana, a renowned sleep consultant and creator of the Sleep Sense Program, has helped countless families improve their sleep habits. She’s appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, WebMD and The Washington Post, making her expertise truly invaluable.

During our conversation, Dana shared actionable strategies for helping kids with eczema sleep better. Her insights not only addressed the unique sleep challenges eczema creates but also provided empowering solutions for parents like me.

In this article, I’ll share what I learned from Dana and the steps you can take to help your little ones get the peaceful rest they need.

Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast

The Foundation: Addressing Discomfort

Dana emphasized a vital point: no one, regardless of age, can sleep well when they’re uncomfortable. For kids with eczema, nighttime often amplifies discomfort, with itching and dryness becoming more intense.

The first step in solving this is to tackle the root causes of their discomfort:

• A Gentle Skincare Routine: Use bioavailable, natural eczema skincare and follow up with a thick, natural moisturizer immediately after a lukewarm bath to lock in hydration.
• Soft, Breathable Fabrics: Stick to 100% cotton pajamas and bedding to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
• Prevent Scratching: Tools like the Magic Merlin Suit or Zippity Zip Sleep Sack can help protect skin from nighttime scratching while still allowing comfort and freedom of movement.

By focusing on their physical comfort, you create the foundation for better sleep.

“Sleep isn’t just about rest; it’s the foundation for a child’s growth, mood, and development. When children sleep well, they thrive.” -Dana Obleman, Sleep Specialist

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Dana explained how important the sleep environment is, especially for children dealing with eczema. A dark, calm, and cool room can make a huge difference in their ability to relax and stay asleep.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Darken the Room: Blackout curtains block out light, signaling to your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down and rest.
2. Keep the Room Cool: Eczema often flares in warmer conditions, so aim for a room temperature between 65-70°F.
3. Humidify the Air: A humidifier can add moisture to dry air, especially during winter or in arid climates, helping soothe eczema-prone skin.
4. Soothing Sounds: White noise machines or calming music can block out household noises and create a relaxing ambiance.

When the sleep environment is optimized for comfort, children are more likely to drift off and stay asleep.

The Power of a Bedtime Routine

Dana is a firm believer in the importance of consistent bedtime routines. She explained that routines serve as a cue for the brain, signaling that it’s time to transition from the day’s activities to rest.

Here’s how to establish an effective bedtime routine:

• Keep It Simple and Predictable: A routine might include a bath, skincare application, pajamas, a calming story, and a goodnight song.
• Stay Consistent: Repeating the same steps every night builds familiarity, which can reduce bedtime resistance.
• Wind Down Without Screens: Avoid screen time and stimulating activities in the hour leading up to bedtime, as these can interfere with melatonin production.

Routines help your child feel secure and ready for sleep, even if eczema has been a source of discomfort during the day.

Teaching Independent Sleep Skills

One of Dana’s most impactful tips was about teaching kids the skills they need to fall asleep on their own. While it’s natural for parents to want to stay with their child until they’re fully asleep, this can lead to long-term sleep disruptions.

Dana explained that everyone wakes up briefly during the night. If a child relies on a parent to fall asleep initially, they’re more likely to call for help during these wake-ups because they don’t know how to self-soothe.

To foster independence:

1. Gradual Separation: Start by sitting next to your child’s bed and slowly move farther away each night until they’re falling asleep on their own.
2. Provide Reassurance: Let your child know that they’re safe and capable of falling asleep without assistance.
3. Set Expectations: Make it clear that bedtime is for resting, and encourage them to stay in their bed through the night.

By teaching self-soothing, you’re equipping your child with a skill that benefits them well beyond their current eczema challenges.

Addressing Nighttime Wake-Ups

Nighttime wake-ups can be especially tricky for kids with eczema. They may wake due to itching, discomfort, or the need for reassurance.

Here’s how to handle these situations:

Encourage Independence: If your child is learning self-soothing techniques, give them a moment to try before stepping in.

Keep Interactions Minimal: When you respond, keep the lights dim and speak softly to avoid fully waking your child.

Address Immediate Needs: A quick application of moisturizer or an adjustment to their pajamas might help ease discomfort.

Tackling Scratching at Night

Scratching is often the biggest barrier to restful sleep for kids with eczema. It’s heartbreaking to watch them struggle, but there are tools and strategies that can help:

• Protective Pajamas or Gloves: Consider using sleepwear that prevents access to itchy areas, like cotton gloves or eczema-friendly sleep sacks.
• Trim Nails Regularly: Keeping nails short and smooth reduces the chance of skin damage during scratching episodes.
• Moisturize Before Bed: A thick, emollient cream or ointment applied before bedtime can provide relief throughout the night.

When scratching is minimized, sleep quality often improves significantly—for both your child and you.

The Powerful Connection Between Sleep and Healing

Dana emphasized that sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s a critical component of healing. For children with eczema, poor sleep can worsen symptoms, weaken their immune system, and slow the skin’s recovery process. On the other hand, quality sleep promotes skin repair, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

This was a game-changer for me as a parent. By prioritizing sleep, I wasn’t just helping my kids feel more rested—I was actively supporting their healing journey.

Shifting the Parenting Mindset

One of the hardest parts of implementing new sleep strategies is staying consistent, especially when emotions run high. Dana reminded me that this isn’t about being a “tough” parent. It’s about giving your child the tools they need to thrive.

Yes, there might be a few tears at the beginning. But helping your child develop independent sleep skills is a gift that sets them up for long-term success. As parents, we’re not doing this to our children; we’re doing it for them.

How to Help Kids with Eczema Sleep Better

Navigating sleep challenges with eczema isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible to find solutions that work. From managing discomfort to teaching self-soothing, the strategies Dana shared with me have been life-changing for my family.

With the right tools, consistency, and a little patience, you can help your child—and yourself—enjoy restful nights and brighter mornings.

If you’re looking for more sleep support, try How to Help My Child Sleep, Wet Wrap Therapy: A Natural Approach to Eczema Relief and Are Your Kids Too Tired to Sleep?

FAQ

What can I do to help my child sleep better with eczema?

The first step is to minimize discomfort. This includes using eczema-friendly skincare routines and ensuring your child’s sleeping environment is conducive to rest. A cool, dark room, a predictable bedtime routine, and comfortable clothing (like cotton sleepwear or sleep sacks) can help. Additionally, sleep training techniques, such as helping your child develop independent sleep skills, can be effective.

How can I create a bedtime routine for my child with eczema?

Create a calming bedtime routine by starting with a nightly detox bath using eczema-friendly products to soothe and cleanse your child’s skin. Follow up with the Eczema Kids Three-Step Skin Comfort System to lock in moisture and reduce irritation. Add a quiet activity, like reading a book, to help them relax. Keeping this routine consistent will help signal bedtime and promote a more restful sleep for your child.