The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep

Summer is over. School is starting back up. But as fall approaches, your child may have trouble adapting to the new structure - in particular, the bedtime routine. A sleep-deprived child is more likely to suffer from accidents, academic problems, mood disorders, concentration issues, and general performance difficulties, so as the new school year begins, it is vital to get your child back into the habit of falling asleep at a decent hour and sleeping through the night. Here are a few tips to help establish a healthy sleep schedule.

Sleep Tips

• Avoid giving sugar or caffeine to your child several hours before bedtime.

• Keep your child's bedroom a media-free zone - no television, computer, or radio should be playing at night.

• Feed your child at least three hours before bedtime, and keep dessert portions small.

• Encourage your child to take a warm bath before bed each night, and create a relaxing routine by reading for 15 minutes before "lights out."

• Keep a comfortable temperature in your home at night, and make sure your child's bed dressings are soft and cozy.

• Lower the volume of television, music, computer, or conversation after your child is in bed.

• Most importantly, establish and keep a regular bedtime - even on the weekends, when your child does not have to wake up early. Varying the bedtime routine can confuse your child's sleep rhythms and create a cycle of sleep disturbances. Consistency is the key to a good night's sleep.