Last updated on July 25th, 2022 at 09:53 am

As the dog days of summer dwindle away, back to school is quickly approaching. Getting the kids ready means more than buying the long list of school supplies, but also getting them back into a regular routine.  One way to help them get back into the swing of things is by incorporating healthy sleep habits as recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.

Adhere to a consistent bedtime for not only school nights, but also weekends. During the summer break you may have been more lenient with the kids’ bedtimes, but getting them to sleep and wake up at the same time each day can help them get the restful sleep needed to learn. To make the transition easier, the National Sleep Foundation suggests gradually easing your child into a new sleep schedule two weeks before school begins.

Prep their room for sleep by freeing the space from distractions and light. Have your child disconnect from any digital distractions such as a television, cell phone, laptop or tablet device. Keeping your child’s room free from bright light at bedtime can help keep their circadian rhythm in balance.

Finally, give them time to unwind. With after school activities and homework, bedtime can sneak up on you. However, giving their body time to calm down from the day’s activities can make it easier for your child to fall asleep.