By Dorothy Pang, L.Ac.
Pang Acupuncture and Wellness

Hi! I’m Dorothy Pang, a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pediatric laser acupuncture, particularly for kids with ADHD and other focus or nervous system challenges. I’ve worked with many families over the years who are looking for gentle, drug-free tools to help their children thrive, and sleep is one of the biggest concerns I hear about. If bedtime is a daily struggle in your home, you’re not alone.

Sleep issues are incredibly common in children, especially in those with busy brains and sensitive nervous systems. The good news is that there are simple, natural ways to support your child’s body and mind in settling down for the night. Here are four of my favorite tools that many of my patient families have found success with:

1. Consistent Rhythm with a Soothing Wind-Down Routine

Kids respond beautifully to rhythm. A simple, predictable bedtime routine can act as a cue for the body and brain to begin slowing down. Choose 2-3 calming activities and stick with them each night in the same order. For example:

Keep the routine short and sweet — under 15 minutes — and aim to start it at the same time each night. Over time, this routine becomes a powerful signal that it’s time to rest. Let me personally say I recommend a shorter bedtime routine as a long, complicated routine can be taxing on a tired parent at the end of the day!

2. Magnesium: The Calming Mineral

Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and plays a role in calming the nervous system. Many kids today are low in magnesium due to modern diets and stress levels. You can incorporate more magnesium through foods like spinach, bananas, and pumpkin seeds, or consider a pediatric-safe magnesium supplement (ask your healthcare provider first). Another easy option: a warm Epsom salt bath (magnesium sulfate) in the evening, which helps relax both body and mind. This is an easy addition if you have an evening bath routine. One thing to watch for is magnesium can soften the bowel movements, and for some kids this is a benefit, while for others this may be problematic.

3. Acupressure to Support Sleep

There are simple points on the body you can gently press that help calm the nervous system. One favorite is called Yin Tang, located right between the eyebrows. Gently press this spot for 30 seconds while your child lies in bed, asking them to focus on big, slow breaths. It’s especially helpful for kids who have trouble shutting off their thoughts at night. Another point is Heart 7, located on the inside wrist crease on the pinky side — it’s known as the “Spirit Gate” and can be very settling. Simply establishing a gentle touch routine can be soothing for kids. Keep your pressure light, more is not better.

4. Laser Acupuncture for Deeper Nervous System Support

For families who want deeper support, pediatric laser acupuncture is a completely needle-free way to help regulate a child’s nervous system over time. It’s safe, pain-free, side-effect free and often calming in the treatment chair. Children with ADHD, anxiety or chronic sleep challenges often benefit from a short series of sessions, and many parents report that bedtime becomes easier, moods become more balanced, and their child feels better overall. It’s a natural tool that works on the root of the issue rather than just masking symptoms. My little patients look forward to their sessions with me!

A Final Thought

If your child has trouble settling down at night, you are definitely not alone. So many parents I talk to are frustrated, exhausted, and unsure of what to try next. The truth is, kids need help learning how to transition from “go-go-go” to “rest and recharge.” A short, pleasant routine combined with simple natural supports can go a long way in helping your child feel safe, relaxed, and ready to rest.

If you’d like to learn more about pediatric laser acupuncture or other natural tools for your child’s sleep, focus, or mood, I’m happy to chat. You can learn more about my work at san-fran-acupuncture.com.

Wishing you peaceful evenings ahead!

 – Dorothy

Dorothy Pang is a licensed acupuncturist based in South San Francisco who focuses on pain, fertility, and pediatric laser acupuncture for ADHD & ASD.