Back to School:

Healthy Sleeping Habits

If you are like my family, your sleep schedule is total chaos over the summer.  We always try to start working on appropriate bedtimes at least a week before school starts so they aren't in complete shock the first day of school.

I thought it would be good to share some sleep recommendations as we start this new school year.  I am including a range of ages as I know some have littles and some have high school kids.  Plus, are you getting enough sleep too?  :)

(Information recommended by American Association of Anatomists, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Neurological Association, and American Physiological Society)

• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11 - 14 hours
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10 - 13 hours
• School-aged (6-13 years): 9 - 11 hours
• Teenagers (14-17 years): 8 - 10 hours
• Young Adults/Adults (18-64 years): 7 - 9 hours

Sleep is so important for our kids because it plays an critical role in thinking and learning.  Your cognitive processes can be hurt by lack of sleep and not getting enough sleep can affect their attention, alertness, concentration, problem solving and reasoning.  We all want our kids to succeed at school and one of the best things we can do for them is encourage good sleeping habits.

I will admit that my kids are the best at procrastinating going to sleep.  They want to tell me one more thing or read one more book (although getting them to read during the day is insane, anyone else feel this way?).  We have a routine of showers (or baths when they were little), brushing, books, and then they get a few minutes with their dad and me to talk about their favorites from the day.  It helps them know what we expect when we have a routine. We are also busy with sports and cub scouts which get in the way of our nighttime routine too.  We try to get them in bed by 8:30-9:00 every night, which gives them between 9 and 10 hours.  That is just what we do in our house.  Do you have a routine that works for your family?

Sports and activities outside of school and our homes are important but I truly believe one of the best things we can do for our children is instill good sleep habits.