19 Sep 2011
When children sleep well, they're more settled, happy and ready for school the next day. Getting enough sleep strengthens their immune systems and could reduce the risk of infection and illness.
Experts believe primary school children require around 10-12 hours of sleep per night and up to half of all children and adolescents experience some problem with getting enough sleep. You can help your child to develop healthy sleep habits including:
· set bedtimes and wake times - try and keep these regular
· no TV/computer games one hour before bed
· no TVs in bedrooms
· no caffeine, high sugar or high spicy food 3-4 hours before bed
· comfortable temperature, light and noise levels in the bedroom
· warm milk or camomile tea can help induce sleep
· convincing children that it is important to sleep well - reward them for complying with bedtime rules
· visiting your doctor and asking to be referred to a sleep specialist if your child's sleep problems persist or worsen.
More info: http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/school_age_sleep_nutshell.html