Now that school is back in session, it's time to get those sleep schedules nailed down. It's beyond essential! And not because I say so... Rachel Dawkins, M.D., with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, says so:
Kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.
So how much sleep does a person need for their specific age?
I 100% get how friggin' hard it is t get kids on a scheduled sleep routine. My son is nine and I still prepare for bedtime-war EVERY SINGLE STUPID NIGHT! It's worth it. Here are some things that help get him in the sleep-spirit:
- Start at the SAME TIME EVERY NIGHT!
- NO electronics/screens at least an hour before bed
- NO caffeine after 5pm
- Warm shower/bath
- Read before bed
- Don't give into the BS about being hungry, thirsty, and every other crap excuse to prolong bedtime.
It takes about three weeks to fully nail down the bedtime routine, but once your child's arcadian rhythm gets with the flow, bedtime is actually not total brain damage.
