Back-to-School Means Changing Sleep Schedules
Sleep experts generally agree that a consistent bed time is very important for promoting good sleeping habits in kids. A study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests consistency of kids’ bedtimes is just as important for their developing brains as the number of hours of sleep they get. The results showed that at age 7, not having a regular bedtime was related to lower cognitive tests scores in girls for reading, math and spatial skills, but was not statistically significant for boys.
Follow These Tips – Learn How To Get Your Child to Sleep
Sun Pediatrics recommends the following tips to help your kids and teens develop proper sleeping habits for promoting better health and education:
- Kids should go to bed at a regular time and in a consistent manner to assure sufficient sleep duration. That is the key to getting up on time in the morning, refreshed.
- Bedtime should become a regular sequence of events, such as brushing teeth and reading a story. Avoid high stimulation activities just before bed, such as watching television, playing videogames, communication with friends, or exercise.
- Avoid caffeine (sodas, chocolate, tea, coffee) in the afternoons/evenings. Caffeine should be avoided within 4 to 6 hours of bedtime.
- Maintain consistent bed times every day of the week. Late weekend nights or sleeping-in can throw off a sleep schedule for days.
- The National Sleep Foundation suggests that children aged 6 to 13 years need between 9 to 11 hours of sleep every day.
- Adolescents may benefit from a daytime nap. A short nap (20 to 30 minutes but not more than 45 minutes) in the afternoon has shown to improve physical efficiency and cognitive performance.
Visit Sun Pediatrics in Marietta
Have more questions about how to get your child to sleep? Ask Dr. Hari of Sun Pediatrics. Sun is your pediatrician in Marietta GA.
