Do you need more sleep?
Yes, you probably do! Kids between 5 and 12 years old usually need close to 10 hours of sleep a night to stay healthy.
Not only will your body fight off colds and other illnesses, but you need sleep to keep your brain ready to work.
Usually, sleeping is pretty easy for most kids. But here
are some tips to help you make it a good night's sleep:
Try to go to bed at the same time every night - this helps your body get into a routine.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night
- this helps your body get into a routine.
Don't drink sodas with caffeine after dinner.
The same thing goes for hot chocolate; it's tasty but can keep you awake if you drink it too close to bedtime.
Don't watch scary TV shows or movies close to bedtime because
these can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep (even for adults!). If it's something you really want to see, ask if you
can record it and watch it after school or on the weekend.
Exercise is great for helping you sleep, as long
as you don't do it too late at night. It's OK to play sports or exercise after dinner, just don't exercise right
before going to bed.
If you can't fall asleep, try reading in
bed.
If there is something keeping you from sleeping, tell an adult.
Problems with sleep usually don't last long, but there may be things you can do in the meantime to sleep better.
