When it comes to being healthy, sleep is just as important as exercise and diet. In fact, parents should put as much effort into having their kids go to sleep on time as they do getting them to school on time. Follow these sleep tips for kids to help your little ones get a good night’s rest.

  1. Create a soothing bedroom. The best condition for sleep is a cool, dark room, which encourages melatonin production and a drop in core body temperature, which is needed for sleep.
  2. Turn off the electronics. Don’t let children watch TV too close to bedtime. The light can stimulate the brain and potentially cause nightmares in young children – and it interferes with circadian rhythms.   
  3. Stick to the routine.Whether it’s a bath, books, songs, prayers, snuggling with a security blanket or any combination, it’s important to keep it consistent.
  4. Be consistent on weekends. Make sure sleep and wake times are consistent even on weekends. Make sure your kiddo is physically and mentally tired by planning fun activities throughout the day.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Judith Owens Judith Owens, MD, was the director of Sleep Medicine at Children's National. She currently serves as the director of the Center of Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital.

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