Back to Zzzz Time

Parents, rejoice! Summer break is almost over! But the bitch is, getting the kids back on a daily routine—including sleep schedules. Ah, yes. The battle over bedtime.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends the following tips to help parents get their kiddos into the back-to-school sleep groove.

Adjust for earlier wake times. Prep kids for a more stringent sleep schedule with a gradual transition at least two weeks before school starts.

Visit the AASM bedtime calculator to identify the appropriate bedtime for each member of the family. Simply input the age and wake time to find a customized bedtime for optimal zzz’s. This personalized calculation can help individuals keep a schedule that will provide adequate, healthy sleep.

Make time to sleep. Instilling a bedtime routine for the whole family can help children—and parents—fall and stay asleep. Practice healthy sleep habits such as avoiding electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime and especially while in bed. Also, consider adding reading, journaling or taking a warm bath or shower as part of a nightly routine.

*If you're an adult with sleeping issues, Crack Wise recommends drinking a bottle of wine before bedtime. Enjoy that blissful two hours of rest before massive hunger sets in and wakes you up...

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