The holidays are a magical time of year, especially for children. They can’t wait to help set up lights and decorations, watch festive movies, do fun winter activities, and play with toys and games. Add to that the time off they have from school, and it’s no wonder how easy it to stray from a regular sleep schedule. While traveling and get-togethers with family and friends might look a bit different this year, there is still a lot going on that can affect their sleep. Drifting too far from a regular sleep schedule might leave you with a less than a jolly child. Committing to some healthy sleep habits during the holidays will help keep everyone’s spirits high.
Settle on a Reasonable Time
It’s a treat when kids can stay up late. Around the holidays, routines and schedules tend to fly right out the window. It’s okay for kids to have a normal-than-later bedtime, but lights need to go out at a reasonable hour so they can get the sleep they need.
Keep it Consistent
Consistency is key if you want to avoid a tired or cranky child. Prioritize keeping mealtimes, naptimes (if they’re still at that age), bedtimes, and even morning wakeups consistent. A slight change in a nightly sleep schedule or the occasional late-night isn’t a big deal, but if they’re going to sleep a lot later than usual or at different times every night, it makes it harder for them to settle down. Kids function much better when they eat and sleep right.
Have a Routine to Wind Down
All the holiday excitement can get kids pretty wound up. When it’s time for bed, you might hear, “but I’m not tired!” The best way to avoid this scenario is to create a relaxing routine to do with them every night before bed. It might look something like putting toys and games away, reading a book, listening to music, or having bath time.
Getting Back to Normal
Getting back to a regular bedtime routine after the holidays may be a little challenging, but it’s not impossible. If sleep schedules shifted, make bedtime a little earlier by 15 minutes each night until they are back on track.
These healthy sleep habits will keep everyone merrier throughout the holidays.
Disclaimer:
PerkinElmer does not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medication, or treatments. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
References:
Sleep.org. Keep Your Child on a Sleep Schedule During the Holidays. https://www.sleep.org/keep-your-child-on-a-sleep-schedule-during-the-holidays/
