Back to School: Three key steps to help kids sleep better
- Posted On:
- Written By: Lexie Hoffmann, PCSW
As school gets back into full swing most families fall into a routine. One rather important routine, which is often neglected, is the bed-time routine. This is beneficial to both children and adults.
Here are some key steps to help your kids sleep better:
- Develop a routine. Go to bed around the same time, and make sure that they wake up around the same time every day.
- Make some habits. Check out these healthy habits before bed: put out clothes for the morning; brush teeth; wash face; prepare for the morning.
- Limit screen time 30-60 minutes before bed. Some activities parents can encourage their children to do include: read, work on a puzzle or play a board/card game.
Consistency is key in developing any routine. Trying to go to bed around the same time each night and getting up around the same time each morning is one of the biggest steps to developing healthy sleep habits.
The most important piece is avoiding screen time before bed. Studies have shown the effects of the lights from the screens on electronics keep the brain active.
So while the rest of your body is ready for sleep, your brain is active, making the sleep less beneficial; or falling asleep more difficult. When you are well rested it is much easier to move through the day and be a healthier, happier person.
Lexie Hoffmann is a Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCSW) in the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and their siblings’ ages 2 weeks and up; and counseling services for children 4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/services/pediatrics/kid-clinic/. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.
