Every parent knows that bedtime can be the hardest part of the day. Children are often excited after being at school and spending time with their friends. When bedtime comes, they may be in the middle of play or another activity. However, ensuring that children get enough sleep is a critical part of the learning process. A good night’s sleep plays an important role in every part of the school day.

One of the biggest impacts of a good night’s sleep is that children are in a better mood and have better discipline when they are well-rested. Studies show that sleeping well makes us happier, less stressed, and better able to focus on tasks during the day. Students who are fully rested get better behavioral reports from both their teachers and their parents. They also tend to perform better academically.

This is because a child’s ability to take in and process information is directly affected by how much sleep they get. A lack of sleep hurts the brain’s ability to understand new information. It also makes it more difficult to remember the things we learned during the day. So even if a student is doing their best to pay attention in class, it can be difficult to remember the material when it’s time to do homework or take an exam. This can cause frustration for both students and parents alike.

So how much sleep should children be getting, and how do we make sure they get it?

Well, doctors and researchers recommend that children ages 3 to 5 get 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Children between 6 and 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours of sleep. For 13 to 18 year-olds, 8 to 10 hours of sleep are sufficient.

Of course, getting children into bed is one thing. Ensuring that they get a good night’s sleep can be an additional challenge. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends turning off screens like tablets and televisions at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The light from our devices stimulates our brains and makes it harder to wind down. Also, if your children have a bedtime routine, like music that they listen to or stories they like to hear, doctors recommend starting these routines before bedtime. This means that if you want your child to sleep from 8pm to 6am, storytime should start at 7:30pm. This way they get to enjoy their rituals and still get the full benefit of a good night’s sleep to prepare them for a great day.