First, prepare bottles of fennel seed for him. Then, massage his whole body with olive oil. And finally, have him listen to the Qur'an before going to sleep.
What the science says: sleep, in children
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, as a point of reference — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Sleep
Improving sleep improves mental health as a whole, according to a meta-analysis of randomized trials (Sleep Med Rev, 2021); sleep hygiene (regular schedules, darkness, no screens or coffee in the evening) has a measurable effect on insomnia (Fam Pract, 2018) (Sleep Med Rev, 2025). The Sunnah adds its own guidelines: sleeping early, on the right side, after the bedtime supplications. Precaution: insomnia lasting more than three months, snoring with breathing pauses, or significant daytime drowsiness should be assessed by a doctor.
In children
In infants, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri reduces colic-related crying according to a meta-analysis (Pediatrics, 2018) (Acta Paediatr, 2024); in children, honey soothes nighttime coughing (after age one) (Cochrane, 2018), fiber and hydration address constipation (J Pediatr, 2022), and omega-3s are being studied for hyperactivity (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018). Precaution: never give honey before age one, no essential oils before age 3 (age 6 for peppermint), doses adjusted to weight; any fever in an infant under 3 months old is an emergency.
