|
Adjusting to the time change |
|
|
|
Written by Angela Kessler
|
|
Wednesday, 05 March 2008 |
I know when my children were younger, one of the concerns I had was how they would adjust to the time changes twice a year. We “spring ahead” Sunday, March 9.
These tips for parents come from Dr. Michael J. Breus, a clinical psycologist with a specialty in sleep disorders and neuropsychological testing and sleepbetter.org.
• Make sure your child is well rested, prior to the change.
• Maintain your child's regular sleep, wake and nap times. Try not to compensate for the lost hour by delaying bedtime or allowing your child to sleep in. This will increase the time it takes to transition. There may be some crankiness from being tired, but this should last only a day or two.
• Make gradual adjustments. Some parents find it is best to try to start making adjustments on Saturday night rather than wait until Sunday, a school night. Try making a slow transition starting Thursday night before the time change, moving your child's bedtime earlier by 15 minutes each night. By Sunday night you will be right back on schedule.
• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
• Use a supportive and clean pillow that is properly suited to your child's sleep needs.
• Exercise regularly. They should have completed their exercise about 4 hours before bed.
• Avoid caffeine, as this can disrupt sleep.
• Do not use over the counter sleep medicationss to knock them out. This will prevent their natural ability to change over time.
• Approximately one hour before bed begin the winding down process including hygiene, reading, etc. No Internet or video games. Try a relaxing routine, like soaking in hot water (a hot tub or bath) before bedtime.
• Remember, your child will adjust to the time change within a few days to a week.
|
Editor's Pick 
.gif "Notre Dame Academy")
.jpg "Annunciation Radio")
