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Back-to-School means Back-to-Sleep

August 3, 2010 - As families enjoy the last weeks of summer and start preparing for a back-to-school schedule, consider the following tips from the National Sleep Foundation to help make the transition from late nights to early mornings a smooth one for parents and children alike.

Tips for getting your child's sleep schedule back on track:

• Several weeks to a month before the start of school, set a limit for the latest bedtime and wake up time. Then gradually move these times earlier (about 15 minutes every other day, time permitting) as the school year starts to approach.
• Soak in summer's last days with early mornings rather than late nights. Emphasize activity and bright light in the morning: go outside and take a walk or play with friends, don't sit indoors or in front of the television.
• Be Consistent! Set and keep a bedtime and wake-up schedule even on weekends, this will help in the adjustment to an earlier school schedule.

Sleep tips that will help kids start the school year off right:

• Maintain a regular bedtime - keeping the same sleep schedule makes it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.
• Establish a sleep routine - avoid exercising or doing anything too intellectually stimulating in the last couple of hours before going to bed.
• Create a good sleep environment - cool, dark, quiet and comfortable.
• Limit caffeine, especially after lunchtime.
• Turn off the TV. Flickering light and disturbing content can prevent good sleep.

Tips for Parents:

• Be a good role model and get the recommended amount of sleep each night.
• Recognize that children - even teenagers - need more sleep than adults.

Recommended hours of sleep for various age groups:

• Sleep experts generally recommend at least 10 to 11 hours of sleep for kids ages 5 to 12 and even more for younger preschool-age children.
• Teens need about 9 1/4 hours of sleep each night to function best.

"As a mother of two children in elementary school, I know from experience that it's hard to stick to a consistent sleep schedule during the summer when the days are longer and everyone is having fun," said Christine Cook, Wife, Mom and President of Sleep Experts. "But I also believe it's worth the trouble to start making adjustments and preparing for the school year a few weeks ahead of time, so that everyone - moms and kids alike - can enjoy returning to the familiar routine of school days."

About Sleep Experts
Sleep Experts, a mattress retailer with 34 locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, offers a broad selection of innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses and air mattresses, with brands including Tempur-Pedic, ComforPedic, Simmons, Beautyrest, Laura Ashley, Aireloom, Life Number and Sleep Designs. The company's mission is to exceed customers' expectations, and it backs this pledge with a One Year Love Your Mattress Guarantee™. Recent accolades include the Dallas Business Ethics Award, four consecutive Consumers' Choice Awards®, and top workplace awards from both Dallas Business Journal and The Dallas Morning News. Sleep Experts shares the gift of sleep with families in need by donating customers' old mattresses to D/FW charities. For more information, visit www.sleepexperts.com or call (888) 55-SLEEP.