Don’t let your child lose sleep to technology

The season of sun and fun is winding down, and before long, kids’ meandering schedules and summertime sleepovers will be replaced with regimented schooldays and weeknight routines. It can be a tough transition, and proper sleep will become essential — but not just for structure. Children and teenagers who get a full night’s sleep will also properly grow and develop both physically and socially, among other health benefits.

 

Unfortunately, some common household habits can get in the way of good rest — particularly around technology. Whether it’s for homework or entertainment, too much screen time before bed is a recipe for a restless night. The good news is there are some easy ways to help your child stop depending on technology before bed. To help your kids sleep better this year, try these 3 tips.

 

Help them get their homework done earlier

If your child is staying up late to finish homework on the computer, they don’t have time to relax before bed — and that’s a lot of disruptive screen time. Teach your child to finish their homework earlier, whether it’s with time management skills or by rearranging their schedule, so that they can focus on a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. And definitely don’t allow them to do homework in bed.

 

Nix TV time before bed 

Watching television before bed can overstimulate your child, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. If you have young children, schedule TV time in the afternoon or early evening — but, depending on their age, not more than 2 hours per day total — and encourage them to engage in more relaxing activities, like reading. For teenagers, keep televisions in family rooms or basements if you can — not in the bedroom — and explain to them how watching TV before bed can disrupt their sleep.

 

Regulate devices before bed

If your child has a mobile device, it’s easy for them to text or check their social media at the end of the day. But in addition to exposing them to too much blue screen light before bed, checking social media can also create stress, making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep. Take away your child’s devices before bed so there’s no chance they can sneak in some screen time.

 

If you let your child keep their device in their room overnight, have them stow or charge it away from their beds and set it to silent. Instead of letting them use it as an alarm to wake up every morning, try an old-fashioned clock radio or alarm clock.

 

Getting a full night of sleep will help your child grow and learn better in school, and you can sleep better knowing that your child is getting a good night’s rest.

 

Learn more about healthy bedtime habits for your child.

 

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