How to: save your child’s internal body clock when we fall back for daylight savings.

You’ll have noticed the temperatures steadily dropping and the days drawing to a close a few minutes earlier. While we ready our clocks to ‘fall back’ an hour on November 6th, 2016, be sure to save your family’s sleep schedule. It’s often easier for adults to adapt to the time change easily because we’ve done it a few times before, but children need a helping hand.

Here’s how to save your child’s sleep schedule when the clocks change.

Set a Routine

A sleep schedule with a fixed bedtime and wake up time will create consistency, which is important when trying to sync your child’s natural sleep cycle to the time. Be sure to wake up your kid at the same time every day, even on weekends!

Light It Up

Light alerts and awakens the body and mind. When daylight savings ends, we start to wake up in the dark, making it much harder to get up and out of bed. Turning on your light and child’s light as soon as you wake up helps to ‘wake you up.’

Limit TV Time

Teach your children that watching television, playing video games, or using the computer before you head to bed isn’t healthy. These activities engage your brain, making it harder to fall asleep. Instead, read a book with your child to help them relax.

Keep the Peace

Getting your mind and body into a relaxed state an hour or so before bedtime can help to get a better night’s sleep and overcome the time change. Encourage your child to wind down before bed by reading, taking a bath, or doing their favorite (non-stimulating) activity.

Watch What They Drink

Your child may love sodas and fizzy drinks, but having them before bedtime can hinder their sleep. Stick to water before heading to bed!

Most importantly, remember to set your clocks back the night before! Otherwise, you’ll start the season on a disorientated start.

Is your child doing enough to let them sleep properly? Signing your child up for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley improves their social skills and development, all the while having fun! Contact us today to find out about all of our after-school programs and which is the best fit for your child.