School is well underway for most of us. This transition back to school is not always the easiest. Young people have had the opportunity to stay up late, have free evenings, and spend time doing all the things they have wanted to do. Shifting the routine from going to bed at 11pm to 9 pm is not always the easiest. If you are like most people you just jump in and make the change. Like most people that does not last and is very unsuccessful. Establishing a night time routine with children as young as 1 ½ all the way to 99 is helpful, especially in getting back into the swing of school. This will look very different depending on the age of your child and yourself. Routines create comfort and comfort allows us to relax. Shifting your schedule back to your normal routine may take time and should be gradual. Start by moving up getting ready for bed by 10 to 15 minutes, with the goal of being in bed by the same time or just a bit sooner. Changing one thing at a time will make the adjustment easier. Give it a try and see what happens. Within a couple of weeks you will be in a healthy routine allowing yourself to get to bed, getting a good night sleep, ready to tackle the chaos the morning brings.
By Dr. Geoff Nugent
