Back To School Tip About Sleep

Back to School Tip

The first day of school can give children at any age the jitters.  If we begin focusing on a normal sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts it will allow children to be able to transition from summer to a school schedule much easier.  To establish a bedtime routine take a gradual approach to moving his bedtime up by 10 to 15 minutes earlier every dew days.   If your child is going to sleep around 10:00 P.M. for the summer months, move the bedtime up to 9:45 then to 9:30, etc. until the child is going to sleep no later than 8:00 or 9:00 P.M.  For primary aged children (ages 5 t 9), 9 to 11 hours a sleep are average needed sleep requirements.   If your child still takes daily naps the amount of time they sleep during the day is included in the 9 to 11 total hours.   For most children going to sleep around 8 or 9pm will allow them to receive ample amount of sleep. 

Children need a nighttime routine that is carried out each evening in the same way.   Young children love routine – it helps them make sense of their world and anticipate what will happen next.  Begin transitioning your child into his/her nighttime routine only about 30 minutes before bedtime.  Hang a visual schedule of his/her responsibilities - take a bath, put on pajamas, brush teeth, and read a story.   Watching television can actually make going to sleep more difficult for most children.  A bedtime routine allows a child to begin to relax so quiet activities are best.

Remember that not getting enough sleep is an important cause of some school performance problems such as attention and behavioral concerns.  It is important to encourage appropriate sleep habits for young children.

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