Rising late, going to bed late is one of the many joys of long summer holidays.
However, with many children starting back to school this week and next, parents up and down the country will be wondering how will they be able to get their kids up and ready for those early morning starts.
As we all know, trying to get children’s bedtime routines back on track is a challenge. But with a few simple changes, they’ll be back to their sleep routines in no time at all.
How much sleep do children need?
When children don’t get enough sleep their behaviour and mood can be affected, it impacts on their ability to learn and they can become hyperactive.
Sleep deprivation can affect concentration and memory, making it difficult to carry out simple tasks and can impact on school lessons.
Children need different amounts of sleep and the younger the child, the more sleep they need.
According to The Sleep Council, ‘toddlers need around 12 hours of sleep a night; children aged three to six – 10-12 hours; seven-12 years olds – 10-11 hours; and teenagers – around eight to nine hours’.
So, how do we help our child to get a good night’s sleep and get bedtime routines back on track?
Sleep Tips for Kids
- Try scaling back bedtime by 15 minutes a night and encourage your child to get up 15 minutes earlier each day.
- Cut back on sugary snacks in the evening as these can increase energy levels and interfere with bedtime.
- Wind down at night with some relaxing activities, such as a bath, a milky drink or reading a story.
- Make sure your child’s room is the right temperature and remove all distractions from the room
- Turn off all gadgets – computers and phones – at least an hour before bedtime to help your child relax their mind.
- Check to see if your child’s bed is the right size for them and whether it’s providing the correct levels of comfort and support.
What to do next
Dalzell’s is an accredited Sleep Council retailer which means our expert staff are on-hand to provide advice on sleep-related issues. Visit us in-store to meet with the team where we’ll only be too happy to discuss your requirements.
Based in Markethill we’re located between Newry and Armagh With over 500 beds in stock, we’re confident you’ll find a new bed that suits your growing child.
No time to visit? No problem. Call us on T: 028 3755 1260, Email or view our great selection of beds and mattresses online at ArmaghBeds.com.
What’s more, we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service and Free Delivery throughout Northern Ireland, Dublin, Louth and Monaghan. 
