Fever is one of the most frequent reasons for pediatric consultations, and a situation that worries parents a great deal. Basically, it's a defense mechanism to protect the child against viruses and bacteria, but we're excessively frightened when it occurs. And yet, when it does appear, we're extremely frightened, and ask ourselves many questions: can children sleep with a fever? How can we bring the temperature down? When should we go to the doctor? What's the best treatment?

In this article, we want to show you that the most important thing in these cases is to stay calm. To do this, we're going to slip (albeit in an imaginary way) into a family's home to find out with them how to identify the symptoms and what's the best thing to do about it.

What should we do if our child has a fever at bedtime?

Fever symptoms

Anna is three years old and comes home from school tired, a little more irritable than usual and not in the mood to play. Her parents know that these are some of the symptoms associated with fever:

  • Sweating and chills.
  • Faster breathing.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Pallor.
  • General malaise.
  • muscle aches

Confirmation of a fever in a child

Anna's normal temperature is between 36 and 37 degrees .

In addition, there are different levels of fever:

Febrile : body temperature between 37.5 and 38°C, if taken under the armpit, or between 38 and 38.5°C, rectally.

Fever: between 38.1 and 41°C axillary; between 38.5 and 42°C rectal.

Hyperpyrexia hyperpyrexia: when the temperature exceeds 42°C, which is the most serious case.

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Can children sleep through a fever?

It's normal for general discomfort to prevent sleep. It happens to Anna too. Having confirmed that she has a fever, her parents know that the next step is to try to relieve it.

Remedies are plentiful, and conventional wisdom is full of recommendations for such cases. Faced with so much information, it's normal to have doubts. That's why we're here to tell you what to do and what to avoid if your child has a fever at night. Take note!

What you can do to help children sleep through fever

  • It's important that they drink water often: fever tends to dehydrate them.
  • It used to be said that overdressing children allowed them to sweat away the fever, but this is not true. What they need is to be cool, with a room temperature of around 22ºC .
  • If you decide to give them a bath, use lukewarm water. A cold bath can increase their discomfort.
  • Before taking medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, remember that fever is the body's defense mechanism. If it's not a serious case, look for other solutions to relieve discomfort and wait for the body's natural reaction. It needs time to fight off viruses and infections.

What not to do with fever in children

  • If your child's temperature is 39°C or higher, we recommend taking medication.
  • Do not alternate medications.
  • If the child vomits the antipyretic (which can happen quite frequently), it can be taken again if less than 15 minutes have elapsed.

These are general recommendations, but you should always follow your doctor's advice.

Going to bed with a fever in a child: should you go to the paediatrician or the emergency room?

If Anna's temperature is over 39°C, her parents should not hesitate to go to the emergency room.

When the situation is under control at home, but the fever persists, it's time to consider a visit to the pediatrician in the following cases:

  • When the child is between 3 and 6 months old.
  • When the fever lasts more than 24-48 hours in children under 2 and more than 3 days in children over 2.
  • When the child won't eat or drink.

And, of course, in any other situation that worries you. Always trust your paediatrician.

The following cases are the most serious and require an immediate visit to the emergency room:

  • Fever over 40º.
  • In the presence of convulsions.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Stiff neck or pain when moving the neck.

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Sleeping with fever for children : a lesson to learn

Anna's parents followed this advice and, little by little, the fever subsided. However, they won't let their guard down in case it happens again. Fever has a strong stigma attached to it, but it's important to remember that it's a way of boosting a child's immunity.

What do you usually do when your children have a fever? Do you manage to put them to sleep with a fever, or do you find it impossible? Don't forget that on our blog, you'll find other tips for a healthy and restful sleep, we're waiting for you!