Have you ever found yourself wide awake at night because your little one won’t stop crying? It can feel like the whole world is against you, especially when you just want some rest. That’s where something called EFT Tapping comes in. You might also have heard of it as Emotional Freedom Technique. It’s a simple method that involves tapping certain points on your body—(mostly on your face and hands) to help calm your mind, steady your emotions, and get you ready for a good night’s sleep.

What Is EFT Tapping?

EFT Tapping is a mix of light fingertip tapping on specific points (often called meridian points) and positive self-talk. These meridian points are on places like the side of your hand, under your eye, or near your collarbone. Many people say it feels like a combination of acupressure and talking through your worries. If you’ve ever tried taking deep breaths to calm down, tapping is kind of like that but with a little extra oomph.

One reason folks love EFT Tapping for better sleep is because it’s easy to learn and doesn’t require fancy tools. You just need your hands, an open mind, and a quiet space to focus.

How Does It Help When a Child Is Crying?

  1. Cuts Down on Stress
    Picture this: It’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and there’s a baby wailing in the next room. Your heart might start racing, and your brain could spin with thoughts like, “Will I ever sleep again?” Tapping can bring down those anxious feelings by helping your body and mind relax . When you tap on these meridian points, it sends a calming signal to your brain that helps lower stress.
  2. Makes You Feel More in Control
    It’s easy to feel powerless when you can’t get a crying child to stop. By focusing on your own breathing and tapping through the tension, you remind yourself that you have a little trick up your sleeve. This sense of control can keep you from feeling totally helpless and overwhelmed.
  3. Helps You Fall Back Asleep
    If you’ve managed to calm the baby but find yourself wide awake, tapping might help you drift off again. It quiets racing thoughts and makes it easier to drift back to sleep. Some people say it’s almost like switching off a bright light in their mind so they can rest.

Trying EFT Tapping: A Quick How To:

  1. Name the Feeling
    Start by figuring out how you feel. Are you nervous? Upset? Tired beyond belief? Say something like, “I’m so stressed because I can’t get any sleep,” or “I’m worried I won’t be able to handle another sleepless night.”
  2. Make a Statement
    As you begin tapping, say a phrase that goes something like, “Even though I’m stressed about this crying baby, I still accept myself.” Saying something kind to yourself can lighten your mood and set the stage for letting go of tension.
  3. Tap on Key Points
    Gently tap on places like the side of your hand, the top of your head, the start of your eyebrow, the side of your eye, under your eye, under your nose, on your chin, on your collarbone, and under your arm. Use about five to seven taps for each point.
  4. Keep It Simple
    While tapping each point, repeat a short phrase that reminds you of how you’re feeling. You might say, “So stressed,” or “Feeling worried.” This helps your mind focus on the exact thing bothering you.
  5. Check Your Stress
    After a round of tapping, pause and notice if you feel a little calmer. If you still feel stressed, do another round and repeat until you sense some relief.

Can Children Use It Too?

Yes, they can! Once your child is old enough to understand instructions, you can show them how to tap on the same points. It might even become a bedtime habit if they tend to feel anxious before sleep. Just make it fun and easy, like a little game that helps them wind down.

Adding EFT Tapping to Your Nighttime Routine

You can try tapping before turning off the lights if you already know bedtime can be rough. This way, you head off some of the stress before it has a chance to build up. If you live in a busy area with lots of noise—like near a highway or close to a bustling downtown—tapping might help you settle down despite the background commotion.

If you’re taking care of a baby or a younger sibling in the middle of the night, you can tap for a minute or two before you try rocking them back to sleep. You don’t need a special setup or tools, so it’s easy to do while you’re standing in the hallway or curled up in the living room.

Wrapping Up

EFT Tapping might sound a bit unusual at first, but a lot of parents say it helps them stay calm and handle those tough nights when a child is crying endlessly. By tapping on certain points, focusing on what you’re feeling, and giving yourself a dose of self-kindness, you might find it’s easier to drift off once the baby finally settles. It’s a simple, free way to manage stress and step into a calmer place, which makes for a much more peaceful night.

Give EFT Tapping a try the next time you’re feeling frazzled in the wee hours. You could be pleasantly surprised at how a few gentle taps can shift your mood and help you catch some much-needed sleep. After all, everyone deserves to wake up feeling rested and ready to face the day—especially after being on cry baby duty.