Importance and Tips for Developing Sleep Routine

Young Girl SleepingSufficient sleep every night is vital for everyone, particularly children. Creating and maintaining a proper sleep routine for kids can boost their immune system and help them perform well in school. However, establishing the right schedule can be challenging for parents. Our educators at Mt. Elizabeth Academy often hear parents complaining about how hard it is to ensure their kids sleep on time.

In our daycare and vacation camps, we ensure all the children follow a consistent sleep routine so that they are active throughout the day.

Importance of Developing a Sleep Routine

Sleep needs may vary between kids, but generally, children must sleep between nine to 12 hours every night. Depending on their activities, they might require more sleep. Having a consistent sleep routine is essential for the overall health and development of the children.

Sleep deprivation can result in problematic behavior and health issues, including mood swings, obesity, irritability, low concentration, and hypertension. Creating and following a routine offers plenty of benefits, including:

  • Improved mental health
  • Better grades
  • Healthier immune system
  • Positive attitude
  • More energy

It is ideal to stay consistent with both the bedtime and wake-up time, so that your children have sufficient time to brush their teeth, take a bath, and read a book before bed, and can have enough time to have breakfast and get dressed in the morning without rushing.

Tips to Develop a Proper Sleep Routine for Kids

Here are some useful tips that will help you in establishing a consistent sleep routine for kids:

Make Sleep a Priority

Establish regular wake-up and bedtime for all the family members and ensure everyone follows them. Prioritizing sleep for everyone makes it easier for the entire family to follow a routine and stick to it.

Handle Sleep Troubles

It may be possible that your child is experiencing sleep trouble that affects their sleep and their behavior throughout the day. Signs include resisting going to bed, snoring, waking up throughout the night, breathing trouble, crankiness, tiredness, or more. If you notice these signs, make sure to consult a doctor immediately.

Keep their Tummy Full

Ensure the children have a good meal at a reasonable time. If they feel too full or too hungry, that will affect their sleep, making it harder for them to fall asleep.

Eliminate Distractions

Some children find it hard to wind down before bedtime due to distractions. It is ideal to start eliminating distractions 30 minutes before their bedtime, meaning no screen time and no playtime. Instead, you can encourage them to read or listen to some calming music.

Establishing a consistent sleep routine for the kids can prove challenging for parents. However, these tips can make it easier for you to create a routine and stick to it. If your child still faces trouble sleeping, consulting a pediatrician is the right decision.

If you have other questions about sleeping habits, eating habits, or want to inquire about our programs, Get in touch with us today for more information. Mt. Elizabeth Academy is a daycare center offering after-school programs, vacation camp, pre-K, and other early learning activities for families in Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, and other areas.