The summer holidays are rapidly coming to an end, which could signal a few tears of sadness for some parents or for others a sigh of relief. But however we feel the start of the new term is almost upon us. So how do you get your children’s sleep back and track and avoid those morning meltdowns and hideous bedtimes come September?
We tell you how…….
Don’t leave it ‘til the last minute:
Two or three weeks before the new term date start to put your child to bed earlier by 15 minutes.
- Repeat this new time for 2 to 3 days
- At the same time wake them 15 minutes earlier every 2 to 3 days
- Repeat this pattern until you reach the time that is right for their child’s morning start time.
- Children should be falling asleep within 15 minutes – if it’s taking much longer just slow down the changes and move bedtime 15 minutes earlier weekly rather than every 3 days.
The morning is just as important:
- Morning is when we reset our body clock so it’s very important children are woken at the same time each day. A big dose of light will help to get your child up and running, so open the curtains straightaway. Light suppresses melatonin – the hormone that makes us feel sleepy.
If having done all of these things you are having problems with your child’s sleep please get in touch.
You can speak to one of our sleep therapists today for a free sleep assessment.
Call us on 0208 444 0040
