As the new school year approaches, experts advise families to gradually adjust children’s sleep schedules to support emotional well-being and focus, emphasising a steady routine and limited screen time before bedtime.
As families begin turning their attention towards the new school year, physicians say it is sensible to start easing children back into a steadier sleep pattern well before the first day of class. The advice is not simply about avoiding a groggy morning: doctors say a sudden shift in sleep can make it harder for children to cope emotionally and stay focused once school is under way.
Health guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says sleep needs vary by age, with teenagers generally needing eight to ten hours a night and adults needing seven or more. The Sleep Foundation gives similar advice, noting that adequate sleep supports attention, memory and broader wellbeing, while requirements may differ from person to person.
Sanford Health family and sleep medicine physician Dr Enrique Tobias told InForum that children should begin adjusting their routines around two weeks before school starts. He said families can make the transition easier by moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier in 15-minute steps each day, rather than trying to change everything at once.
Sleep specialists also recommend keeping evenings calm and predictable. Children’s Health advises parents to build in a regular bedtime routine and keep wake-up times consistent, while the Sleep Foundation suggests reducing light and screen use before bed and setting an example with a stable household sleep schedule. Tobias warned that too little sleep can aggravate anxiety and depression and may also worsen ADHD symptoms or make it harder for children already in treatment to manage their mood.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
