If your child is having trouble sleeping, it is understandable if you are worried. Sleep is essential to health and well-being, and a lack of sleep can affect their ability to concentrate, which will in turn have an effect on their academic performance. Therefore, it is important that you proactively address any problems your child is having with their sleep patterns. In this blog, we will go over some ways you can address sleep issues for your child.
Give them time to decompress
If your child is having trouble sleeping, it might be because they haven’t had enough time to decompress and unwind from the day. If your child has extracurriculars after school every day, it cuts into their relaxation time in the evening. Make a point to give your child several hours before bed to talk about their day and relax at home. If they have time to process the day, they will have an easier time falling asleep at night.
Make a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine can make a big difference in how your child sleeps because routine is a powerful tool. Routine triggers our brains to feel certain ways; for example, if you eat lunch at noon every day, your body will get hungry right around that time. In the same way, if we are used to doing certain things before we go to sleep, those certain things will make us tired and prepare our minds for sleep. Establish a consistent bedtime routine with your child. You can even put together a to-do list for them before bed so they are fully aware of the exact routine. Stick to the schedule, and don’t let your child dawdle or drag out activities that aren’t part of the bedtime routine. Also be sure to give them several warnings (i.e., “five minutes until bedtime!”) so that they’re prepared when bedtime does roll around.
Prioritize play over screen time
The blue light from screens affect how well we sleep, so limit screen time within a few hours of bedtime. Additionally, your child may struggle to get to sleep because they aren’t getting sufficient fresh air and exercise during the day. Make sure that after school, your child isn’t just sitting in front of a screen; they are moving their body and getting outside.
When your child gets adequate sleep, they can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. For more information about our learning academy, contact Elite Scholars STEAM Academy today.