Bedtime Guidelines

Regardless of age, regular schedules and bedtime rituals greatly impact our ability to obtain sound sleep and function at our best…and the same goes for children. Sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus says establishing and maintaining good sleep habits helps children fall and stay asleep, and awake rested and refreshed. It may also prevent future sleep problems. Good sleep habits can also take the stress out of bedtime and help make it a special time for you and your child.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for sleep behavior, and as always, there is individual variation. Your child is unique. If your routine is working, then it is probably best for you. That said, some approaches work better than others. Here are some effective bedtime guidelines:

Make sleep a family priority and part of your daily schedule, advises the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Determine how much sleep each family member needs and ensure that they get it. Discuss any sleep problems with your child's doctor. Most are easily treated.