By now, most kids have started back to school. Morning routines are probably still being established; from panicked searches for just the right shirt to rushed goodbyes as they run frantically trying to catch the bus. Some morning mayhem is to be expected as back-to-school routines are established, but how are those new bedtime routines going?
- Open those bedroom curtains! Getting a bright start in the morning can help get body clock rhythms back to normal. She says lots of sun and lots of light early in the day can work wonders.
- Kids should go to bed when they are tired. However, Dr. Givan warns, if kids are put to bed too early, they will associate the bed with not sleeping, which will make it even harder to get them into a regular sleep schedule.
Here are some more good ideas for those back-to-school bedtimes:
- Exercising at least three hours before bedtime helps you fall asleep faster and have a more restful sleep.
- No electronics before bedtime. Cellphones, computers, and tablet devices should all be powered down at least an hour before bedtime.
- Be sure to follow the same household schedule on weekends as you do during the week. Allowing kids to sleep in or stay up late on the weekends can wreak havoc come Monday morning.
Ideally, bedtimes should be adjusted gradually in the weeks leading up to the start of school. But even a late adjustment will be beneficial in the long run.
For more information be sure to speak to your family’s Pediatrician. If you don’t have one, we can help you find one.
Find out more about Pediatrics at Indiana University Health.