Time changes and schedule changes can make it harder for children to sleep well and can affect their performance at school.
"Sleep-deficient children show their sleep problem through poor school performance, attention problems, mood changes or changes in their behavior,” said Dr. Daniel Glaze, medical director of Texas Children's sleep laboratory and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
To settle into the new schedule, try these tips:
- Maintain child's regular bedtime and wake-up time.
- Give child a warm bath one to two hours before bedtime to promote sleep.
- Calm child with a quiet activity before bedtime, such as reading a story.
- Refrain from serving chocolate, tea or sodas containing caffeine past the afternoon.
- If your child snores, contact a pediatrician or family physician, since this may be a sign of sleep apnea.
