Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend a very informative workshop entitled "Better Sleep, Better Learning" presented by Central DuPage Hospital Center for Sleep Health. Sleep is such a vital part of our students' overall well-being and it plays a key role in their ability to learn and participate in the school day.*From the National Sleep Foundation:
*Ideas to promote good sleep hygiene in your child:
1.Try to keep your child's sleep/wake patterns consistent. Try not to deviate from his/her school night sleep schedule on weekends by more than about 1 to 1½ hours or it may disrupt the brain’s sleep/wake patterns.
1.Try to keep your child's sleep/wake patterns consistent. Try not to deviate from his/her school night sleep schedule on weekends by more than about 1 to 1½ hours or it may disrupt the brain’s sleep/wake patterns.
2. Awaken your children at the same time every morning and put them to bed at about the same time every evening.
3. Limit consumption of drinks high in sugar or caffeine.
4. If your child is taking stimulant medications for ADHD or other reasons, check with his/her physician to see if this medication may be interfering with sleep.
5. Have your child turn off all electronic equipment 1 ½ hours before bedtime (i.e., cell phones, computer and video games, high action television programs, Ipods with lively music) and do calmer activities like reading a relaxing book or listening to peaceful music.
6. Do not let your child fall asleep in front of the TV in the bedroom or family room, and if she/he will not comply, remove all electronics from his/her bedroom.
7. Encourage your son or daughter to develop an enjoyable bedtime routine like taking a shower or hot bath before bedtime, and then getting in bed 30 minutes before she/he wants to sleep to listen to relaxing music or a story. If your child is old enough to read a book alone, have him/her use a dim night light beside the bed.
8. Try to refrain from late night outings on school nights (i.e., mall shopping, late evening sports events, have friends over past 7:00 p.m., or going out to other evening entertainment).
