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How to get your kids back on a school sleep schedule

It's ideal to start thinking about back to sleep about three weeks before students return to the classroom.
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson

We know children are sleeping less now than they did 30 years ago.

Children who create a sleep debt have a more difficult time completing school work, and they don t score as well on tests. They may also have trouble maintaining attention, and they could be at higher risk for having an unhealthy weight.

It's an ideal time to start getting kids ready for a school sleep schedule.

How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

  • Sleep debt is created when we don t sleep enough
  • Preschoolers: 10-12 hours of total sleep
  • School-age children: 10-11 hours total sleep
  • 12 year-old to teens: 8.5-9.2 hours total sleep

Ways To Support Good Sleep:

  • 8;00 pm bedtime for young children
  • 10:00 pm bedtime after age 12 & up
  • No screens 1-2 hours prior to bed
  • Exercise 30 minutes a day, no sleeping with cell phones

What Parents Need To Know:

  • School start is a stressful time
  • Anxiety, depression can manifest as sleep problems
  • Can take a few weeks to move bedtime back
  • Remind teens: the more active you are, the easier you sleep

Related Links:

More about Dr. Swanson: Facebook | Twitter:@SeattleMamaDoc | Read her Blog

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