Sleep… Is It Time?

One of the most important things you can do for your child before they start school is to ensure they get plenty of good quality sleep.

Why? Research shows that students who get adequate sleep have improved:

✅ Behaviour
✅ Attention
✅ Learning
✅ Overall mental and physical health

So, how much? 

Primary school aged children require 9-11 hours of sleep each night. For 5-year-olds, between 10 and 13 hours is ideal.

This may sound like a lot, but your child is constantly using energy. Playing, interacting with people and learning are exhausting tasks for little people. Their bodies and brains are also experiencing growth and change, so they need sleep to fuel and boost their energy.

5 tips to help your bub sleep

1. Establish a night-time routine to help your child wind-down and relax before sleep. Maintaining this routine on the weekends and during school holidays is best practice.
2. Set up a sleep schedule so that your child gets enough sleep every night. Consistency is key!
3. Make their sleeping environment dark, quiet and comfortable.
4. Avoid food with high sugar or caffeine in the afternoon and evening
5. Turn off computers, tablets, TV and any other devices at least one hour before bedtime

Try these tips at home to help your child sleep better and make the most of their school days.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8