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Tips for Parents With Sleepy School Children

If your child has difficulty waking up in the morning, is irritable and cranky, or has trouble remembering or concentrating, he or she may not be getting enough sleep. The BSC and the NHLBI offer these top 10 tips to make it easier for parents to ensure their child is getting an adequate amount of sleep each night:

1. Help Your Child Get at Least 9 Hours of Sleep Each Night: To be their best, children need at least 9 hours of sleep every night.

2. Don't Overschedule Your Child: Too many after-school activities and commitments can keep children from precious sleep. Allow your child plenty of time for homework and chores each night to ensure that they are not forced to stay up past their bedtime.

3. Set a Regular Bedtime For Your Child and Stick to It: A regular bedtime can help ensure your child gets a full night's sleep.

4. Avoid Caffeine Too Close to Bedtime: Consuming caffeine, found in soda and chocolate, in the evening can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep.

5. Develop a Sleep Ritual for Your Child: Routine and relaxing activities, like taking a bath or reading with your child, can help him or her transition into sleep mode.

6. Help Your Child Unwind in the Evening: Tackle science projects, book reports and other homework either before or right after dinner. Allow your child at least one hour before bedtime to relax and unwind.

7. Make Sure Your Child's Bedroom is Dark: Be sure the lights are turned off and the shades are closed in your child's room before he or she goes to bed. While a small nightlight is fine, if necessary, a dark room is most conducive for a good night's sleep.

8. Don't Allow Your Child to Fall Asleep in Front of the Television: Noise from a television, radio, or even loud conversations can keep your child from deep, restful sleep.

9. Pay Attention to Your Child's Mattress: Handing down an old mattress to a child isn't a good idea. Because mattresses wear out over time, it's important to maximize your child's chances of restful sleep by making sure he or she is sleeping on a mattress that is comfortable and supportive enough in order to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.

10. Keep a Comfortable Room Temperature in Your Child's Room: Children (and adults) may have a difficult time falling and staying asleep in a room that's too hot or too cold. The ideal sleeping temperature is around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Click here to read other articles by The Better Sleep Council.

Copyright © The Better Sleep Council. Established in 1979, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) is a nonprofit organization supported by the mattress industry. The BSC is devoted to educating the public about the importance of sleep to good health and quality of life, and about the value of the sleep system and sleep environment in pursuit of a good night's sleep. Reprinted with permission.

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