The first day of school is here and as parents know it might be difficult to transition your children back onto a normal sleep schedule after a care-free summer of staying up and sleeping in late.
According to pediatric sleep expert Dr. Sonal Malhotra at Baylor College of Medicine, when your children lacks sleep it is likely to diminish alertness, productivity, and impact academic performance. She says, insufficient sleep can also lead to behavioral problems including inattentiveness and hyperactivity in children and adolescents.
Here are the recommended hours children should sleep per night based on age:
-Age 3-5: 10-13 hours
-Age 6-12: 9-12 hours
-Age 13-18: 8-10 hours
Here are a few tips to get your student back on a healthy sleep schedule:
-Set a bedtime and wake-up time goal - begin to ease into it two to three weeks before the school year begins.
-Stay on a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week
-Limit screen time before bed – put away your devices an hour before bed.
Although it may be challenging to keep your kids on a proper sleep schedule, Dr. Melhotra says, remind them sleep and performance go hand and hand. Give your child the best chance to be successful this school year.