When your child is fully rested he will be more settled, happy and ready for school the next day. Getting enough sleep will strengthen his immune system and can also help reduce the risk of infection and illness.There are lots of effective ways to deal with your child’s sleep difficulties.Children aged five to eight needs between ten and eleven hours sleep a night. They are usually tired after school and might be looking forward to bedtime from about 7:30pm.
Bedtime routine
Sticking to a bedtime routine is very important at this age. It will help your child wind down from his busy day. Keep the bedroom dark, cool and quiet so he can drift off to sleep easily.An example of a good bedtime routine might look like this:
Time
|
Routine
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6.30pm
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Put on pyjamas, brush teeth and go to the toilet.
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7pm
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Quiet time in the bedroom with a book and a bedtime story
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7.15pm
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Goodnight kiss and lights out.
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After a big and exciting day at school, many of the day’s events and worries might still linger in your child’s head. If they’re unresolved when your child goes to bed, it can cause a restless night or bad dreams. You can help your child to settle and relax for sleep by promoting good sleep habits.
Read more: What causes bed-wetting?