This is a sponsored conversation by Restonic. As always, all opinions are my own.
I feel that sleep is really important for growing children. My kids wake up very early and if they don’t go to bed at a decent hour, they are off their game the whole next day. I know that I’m a mess if I don’t get my sleep, so I can’t expect them to function without it. I’ve let our sleep routine slide this summer, but as back-to-school time is coming quicker than I realize – I need to make sure we get back to our normal routine. I’m excited to partner up with Restonic to talk about how you can help your kids get a good night’s sleep. Restonic’s line of mattresses can help play a role in a healthy sleep environment with a comfortable bed to dream about the ABC’s. Read on for some easy tips on how to help your kids get a good night’s sleep. sleep, good night’s sleep, kids sleep, help your kids get a good night’s sleep Easy Tips to Help Your Kids Get A Good Night’s Sleep
“Insufficient sleep is associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems. Kids who are sleep deprived often have trouble getting along with others. They are more likely to be clumsy, have mood swings, have trouble concentrating, feel stressed and lack motivation. Poor sleep in school-age children might result in hyperactivity and poor academic performance.” says Terry Cralle, RN, MS, Certified Clinical Sleep Educator from the Better Sleep Council.
In my home, my kids go to bed around 8- 8:45 pm. Since my three kids are around 2 years apart, the little one (who just turned 7) goes to bed at 8 pm, the middle kid (age 9 1/2) goes to bed at 8:30 pm and the big one (going to be 12 soon) goes to bed by 8:40 to 8:45 PM. We also turn off electronics (including TV) by dinnertime and don’t turn them on again. Friday nights and Saturday nights are movie nights and I can let them relax then, not during the week. We need our bedtimes and sleep routines to function and surprisingly, my kids don’t fight me on this. We also start our bedtime routine by 7:30 pm so there’s no surprise in bedtime. Giving kids time to wind down is so important. With my oldest child, who is going to be 12 in a month, I’ve also added meditation and light stretching exercises. Now, being a working parent, it’s hard to come home at 6:30 pm and then start bedtime at 7:30, but I’ve found that my kids sleep so much better when I do make sure they get their rest!
What time is bedtime in your home? And what’s your bedtime routine?
So, what can you really do to ensure your child has a solid night’s sleep every night? We’re going to give you some easy, totally practical tips.
Kids Need a Bedtime
Figure out the time your child needs to go to bed and then adjust the time for your child. My kids are 7, 9, and almost 12; and it’s recommended that they get between 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. But saying that and the reality is different – your kid may think they need less, but as a parent, you should decide what your kids need to make sure they get their rest. “A regular bedtime strengthens circadian rhythms and helps ensure adequate time for sleep. Kids will learn what to expect and bedtime will become a non-negotiable part of the day. Following a consistent routine aids in the development of healthy sleep habits that result in quality sleep.” says Terry Cralle, RN, MS, Certified Clinical Sleep Educator from the Better Sleep Council.
If you aren’t sure how many hours of sleep your kids need, here’s a handy chart from the Better Sleep Council, written by the CDC.
Atmosphere
Blackout shades and curtains are essential in my house. My kids cannot sleep without them. I can’t sleep without them. Make sure they are actually pulled down when your child goes to sleep, otherwise the room will be totally bright in the AM, waking your child up super early (we’ve forgotten a few times and then they wake ME up at 6 am). While the rooms need to be dark, my kids also prefer having a dim night light on, as I prefer a sound machine (my iPhone with a sound app does the trick). Keep rooms cool, not freezing or too hot.
“Dim lights in the evening and avoid excessively bright bathroom lighting while bathing, brushing teeth and otherwise preparing for bed. Also, evaluate your child’s room in the dark for light sources, such as the tiny lights on electronics –these can be removed, covered with tape or turned away from your child’s line of sight.” says Terry Cralle, RN, MS, Certified Clinical Sleep Educator from the Better Sleep Council.
Did you also know that the mattress matters?
“Investing in a high quality, supportive mattress for your child is important for healthy growth and development. Older children can participate in their sleep health by getting involved in their mattress selection process,” says Terry Cralle, RN, MS, Certified Clinical Sleep Educator from the Better Sleep Council.
About Restonic Mattresses:
Since 1938, they’ve been supporting dreams by producing the highest quality sleep products. Because a good night’s sleep is so important, Restonic focuses on the little things. They ensure every stitch of your mattress meets the highest standards, delivering the comfort, quality and value you deserve.
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So, what kind of sleep do you and your family get every night and how a better sleep could possibly assist you all during the back to school season and/or everyday life?
#RestonicBTS
Such an informative post! I agree sleep is so important for children and adults !
This looks and sounds great. I would have to say that being on a tight schedule with a scheduled bed time and wake up time are essential. I also suggest picking out outfits each day prior and having a list of lunches and breakfast. Seems as its a ton to do but I have found it so helpful!
My best tip is to work your way back into a routine a week or two before school starts.
Have a routine and stick to the same bed time.
My best tip is to start going to bed a little earlier a week before so that you get used to going early and getting up early.
My best back to school tip is plan ahead and be prepared. The night before is the time to get outfits picked out and shoes too, backpacks packed and snack/lunches made. Then everyone is ready in the am.
Getting a good nights’ sleep is so important and I am loving the tips. We have informal bedtimes here because we have to be a bit more flexible because of clubs and activities on some days but it is important to have a routine.
I always have reading time before bed to relax them before bed. Make sure they get to bed at a good time to bet plenty of rest for the school day.
My best back to school tip would be keeping a student planner or school calendar close by to write down assignments and due dates. It can keep you on track and constantly aware of what needs to be done!
This is great. The more sleep kids get the better moods, the better for learning and the better the days. These are great tips!
My best tip is to set up a routine for the kids. Getting to bed at the same time and getting a good breakfast in is a great way to start the day.
Sleep is a tricky thing with night owls. My kids just have a hard time falling asleep.
We just started a new sleep plan with our 4.5 year old in hopes of getting him to get more rest and depend only on himself for falling and staying asleep. Here’s to trying.
My best tip is to shop the end of season clearance sales for supplies you know they’ll need the following school year.
Get on a good sleep schedule!
My best back to school tip is to have them help with lunches for more by in with the items in it.
I make sure that the kids get enough sleep. It’s one of the things that’s really important to me because it affects their health and productivity. A good mattress is the perfect solution for that! A routine as well!
My top back to school tip is: For example, during the school year, my daughter has to go to bed at 9 ad get up at 5:45. During the summer, bedtime is 10 and she can pretty much get up whenever. Starting four weeks before school starts, we back up bed time 15 minutes more each week and start getting up 15 earlier each week..for example 4 weeks before bed will be 10 and wake up will be 7, the next week bedtime is 9:45 and wakeup is 6:45, the next week bedtime is 9:30 and wake up is 9:30, etc.
Make sure you get your kids in the habit of getting to bed early about 2 weeks before school starts.
These are really great tips, thank you! I need them. We have a hard time with bed time in our home. This mattress sounds amazing!
Adhere to a school sleep schedule starting a week early. Get things ready the night before. And never, ever, shop for school supplies at the last minute! (Even better, order them online during the back to school sales/)
We try to do bedtime between 8 to 9 in my house for my daughter. Sometimes it suns to the later side due to my husband working or watching a family movie that runs long, but usually closer to 8. I can tell a big difference when she gets a good night of sleep and when she doesn’t too.
I’m so relieved to see that my littlest one is getting enough sleep! She’s a tough one! I completely agree with the blackout curtains! It doesn’t get dark here until nearly 10pm, so they’re a necessity for getting my girls to sleep at a decent time!
There’s nothing better than getting a mattress that helps with you or your child sleeping better at night. Especially when the school starts, they need all the rest that they can get.
We always put clothes out the night before during the school year. I don’t let my kids get out of this habit during the summer or it’s hard to get back to it–makes mornings go much more smoothly!
Great giveaway! I’m in the in-between stage with my son. I need him to get into his crib and he hasn’t yet. It is so hard to transition.
My kids have always been good sleepers, which makes this mama super happy! I think more is always better, though, and I will use all of your smart tips.
I think kids grow in their sleep so I think it is important for them to get a good 8-10 hours a night. I would love to try that mattress when it is time for a new one.
Agreed with the comment above. I always pack a bag before going to bed and lay out my clothes! It helps make the morning so much easier!
The week before school starts there is usually no camp, so we make it our “practice week” where we try to get to bed at a decent time and wake around our school wake up time. I find this does truly help them to get back into the swing of things!
My husband is so good about his ‘bedtime’. I know it sounds funny but he works ‘hard’ and very labor intensive every day. His body needs all the help it can to stay healthy and strong. HUGE proponent of bedtimes for all ages. As for actual sleep. I try to decompress when i first fall into bed by following almost a story board in my head (like counting sheep). I pick a stress free topic like step by step how i’ll make a craft or bake something familiar, a story i’ll write.. The process helps me erase any days stress and fall asleep with easy relaxing thoughts.
Pack your bag the night before. Have clothes ready to go. You can have the table set with cereal and bowls ready all they need to do is grab milk in am and ready to go.
Great tips, Lauren!