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Ensure Sufficient Daily Sleep

Tags

Social-Emotional Learning ^Extra-curricular/At-Home All Ages Strategy

Skills

Anxiety Self-regulation Social Awareness Attention Verbal Memory Visual Memory

Ensure Sufficient Daily Sleep

If your child is struggling with a learning or emotional challenge, good daily sleeping habits are even more important than usual

How To Apply It!

  1. The brain consolidates learning and memory during sleep, so among many of the other health benefits of a good night sleep (preferably 8+ hours) is improved retention.
  2. Children will sleep better overall if they have a regular, daily sleep routine that is the same for all days of the week, not just school days. Of course, there are events that can interfere, but sticking to a consistent bedtime routine as much as possible will be beneficial.
  3. Turn off all screens a minimum of one hour before bedtime. Screens will keep you awake. Setting a rule that all electronic devices stay out of the bedroom at night will make this easier follow. At a minimum turn on the blue light filter in the evenings.
  4. Help your child find ways to unwind, such as listening to calming music or reading a book.
  5. Anxious thoughts can interfere with sleep. If there are lingering concerns on your child's mind, discuss them or encourage him to jot them down to help clear his mind.
  6. Monitor the temperature. We shouldn't be too hot or too cold to sleep well. Sleep socks are a great option for those who tend to be cold at night.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a good night's sleep ensures that students are at their intellectual and emotional best by consolidating the learning of the day, improving attention and memory, and bolstering their emotional fortitude. ADHD children may be particularly sensitive to insufficient sleep. Read more in our Sleep Articles.