If your kids have been staying up late and sleeping in all summer, sleep experts say it\u2019s time to reset their routine before the first day of school.<\/p>\n
Waiting until the night before school starts to move bedtime earlier is one of the biggest mistakes parents can make, according to doctors.<\/p>\n
Instead, experts recommend starting the transition 1 to 2 weeks before school begins to help children adjust gradually and make those early mornings easier.<\/p>\n
While many parents focus on putting their children to bed earlier, sleep experts say it\u2019s more effective to begin by establishing a consistent wake-up time.<\/p>\n
Once children are waking up at the same time each morning, parents can gradually move bedtime earlier to ensure they\u2019re getting the recommended amount of sleep.<\/p>\n
Experts say school-age children should get 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night, depending on their age.<\/p>\n
Sleep specialists say two of the biggest obstacles to a good night\u2019s sleep are screens and overscheduled calendars.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think is keeping kids awake at night? Screen time. \u2018I\u2019m going to bed but I\u2019m still scrolling\u2019\u2014that\u2019s a problem,\u201d one sleep expert said.<\/p>\n
The expert also pointed to packed schedules filled with extracurricular activities, sports and homework that often push bedtimes later.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re too busy. They go to bed too late, and they\u2019re still doing homework,\u201d the expert said.<\/p>\n
Experts say younger children, especially those in elementary school, respond well to predictable routines before bed.<\/p>\n
A simple bedtime routine may include:<\/p>\n
Taking a bath <\/p>\n
Putting on pajamas <\/p>\n
Brushing teeth <\/p>\n
Reading together <\/p>\n
Lights out <\/p>\n
Starting these habits a week or two before school begins can help children adjust more easily and reduce stress when classes resume.<\/p>\n
Sleep isn\u2019t just about avoiding groggy mornings.<\/p>\n
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research has shown a direct connection between a child\u2019s sleep and classroom performance. Getting enough rest can improve attention, learning, behavior and overall academic success.<\/p>\n
By easing children back into a school-year sleep schedule now, parents can help set them up for a smoother transition and a stronger start to the new school year.<\/p>\n
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