Back to School Sleep Tips 😴

August 08, 2023 Rhoanne Urlanda

Welcome to Heart to Heart with Honeydew! Today we discuss all things back-to-school. I'll give you some great sleep tips for your kids (and you, of course)!

Back to school is such a bittersweet time. You love spending time with your kiddos, but it's awfully nice to get a little more time back for yourself!

So as the school year begins, I encourage you to prioritize one thing over all else...over cute school supplies and clothes, sports and classes...

Can you guess?

SLEEP, of course!

Sleep is beyond important for both you and your children, and now is the time to get back on track for the best year ever.

Did You Know...?

Here's the Question: Which animals sleep the least?

(Scroll down for the answer)

As the summer sun begins to set and the new school year looms on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about how to get your kids back into a healthy sleep routine. Here's how!

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Just like adults, children benefit from a regular sleep schedule. Try to maintain the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on weekends.

2. Create a Sleep-friendly Environment: Make their bedroom a comfortable and calming space. Our Honeydew Starter Kits are perfect for this, with our favorite pillow and pillowcase, and even an eye mask to keep out any pesky light.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Switch off those devices at least an hour (or two) before bedtime.

4. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help your kids sleep better. Just make sure it's not too close to bedtime!

5. Promote Relaxation Before Bed: Reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music can help your child wind down and prepare for sleep.

6. Provide Comfort for Nighttime Fears: If your child is scared of the dark or has nightmares, a comforting object (like a teddy bear) can provide reassurance and help them sleep better.

7. Nutrition Matters: A light, healthy snack before bed can help stave off middle-of-the-night hunger. Just avoid foods and drinks high in sugar or caffeine.

If you haven't already transitioned back onto a school-year sleep schedule, now is the time! With most kiddos going back in the next few weeks, it's time to start getting them back into that routine.

Sleep is crucial for children, especially during the school year. It plays a significant role in the consolidation of memory, learning, and attention.

When children get enough sleep, they may have an easier time focusing on their studies, understanding new information, and performing well on tests.

Sleep is also essential for the body's repair processes.

It supports growth and development in children, strengthens the immune system, and can even help maintain a healthy weight.

Children who get adequate sleep have a lower risk of developing health issues like obesity, diabetes, and common colds, which means fewer missed days.

Also, lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, irritability, and problems with behavior and social interactions. Children who are well-rested are generally more patient, have a more positive outlook, and are better able to manage stress and challenges.

And you know what?

All of the above applies to adults too! So, I ask you to question how important sleep is to you right now. If it's not high on your priority list, you've now got quite a few reasons to move it to the top :)