The time of year is upon us again, I feel like just yesterday I was checking off my list for my sons last year of pre-school. The summer flew by and now here we are ready to begin a new school year with big adventures along the way. In the first few weeks of opening up the school year, it is a fast race to see who can hit the sack first in our household. Homework complete, dinner and baths marked off the list and bedtime routines are in the books and getting my son in to bed is a high propriety. Little did I know all the excitement it would bring by removing his two hour naps and bring multiple meltdowns by the time the sun was setting each evening. So many times we forget the importance of healthy sleep habits for our older children who have entered grade school.
My son is like clockwork the minute the long hand ticks to half past 6 you better believe his feet hit the floor. To obtain he is meeting his daily requirements for sleep he is in the bed no later than 7:30 pm. He only has one soccer practice per week and he is home before 7, leaving just enough time for a shower and quick book to sum up bedtime for the night. 69% of American children from babies,toddler, school age and through high school are sleep deprived and not meeting their daily sleeping recommendations. The long term affects can be staggering, from learning disabilities, weight gain, health problems, attention and focus problems and a groggy mind during the school day. When it comes down to it we have to make choices and sacrifices, sometimes it means our children will not be at the latest social event, play date and even cutting back on sporting events to ensure they are keeping up with their sleep and healthy habits. In the end the other points won’t matter if you have a sleep deprived child begging for more attention in the sleep department.
Creating Healthy Sleeping Habits
The Average 5 – 6-year-old child requires 10 – 12 hours of sleep daily.
Did you know many children at this age will go to bed up to one hour earlier, considering most are dropping their daily nap?
Studies show that screen time and electronic devices can over stimulate a child’s brain causing disruption in their bedtime routine and overall sleep.
Poor or inadequate sleep can cause mood swings, decreased focus, headaches and diminished energy disrupting their ability to thrive in school.
A child’s bedroom should be their relaxing oasis, keep it cool, quiet and dark.
Limit caffeine intake in children this is proven to cause over stimulation, nightmares, and disrupts their sleep patterns.
Keep their bedtime routine and schedule consistent each day.
Turn off all electronics and limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Do you have a story to add to this weeks blog, feel free to email me kelley@serenitysleepers.com or shout out your stories on Facebook. Checkout other blog post at my website www.serenitysleepers.com
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