There is significant scientific evidence suggesting how not only the amount of sleep we get each day but the quality of that sleep is critical to our overall health. So you are wise to get your kids back on track after a summer of deprogramming and fun. Perhaps the best recommendation is to begin “powering down” our brains at least one hour
Perhaps the best recommendation is to begin “powering down” our brains at least one hour before scheduled bedtime. This means turning off all the electronics around us including TVs, laptops and Smart phones. Bright light is one of the primary triggers that your brain uses to help regulate your sleep/wake cycle. Limiting that exposure prior to bedtime is critical. Setting a specific time or even an alarm signaling when it is time to go to bed can begin to get you back on track. Try and do this before the school year starts to adjust to this new circadian rhythm.
Other simple things that you can do include limiting caffeine intake many hours prior to bedtime, assuring that the bedroom is quiet and dark, and for those of you would like to share the bed with your favorite pet, reconsider having your dog or cat find her own perfect place to sleep outside of the bedroom.