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Children's Health Author: Staff Last Updated: Apr 23, 2009 - 8:29:17 PM



Tips for Back-to-school Sleep Success
By Staff
Aug 1, 2008 - 11:22:34 AM

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(HealthNewsDigest.com) - BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ -- As a new school year approaches the Sleep Center at Summit Medical Group encourages parents to put healthy sleep on the list of their children's back-to-school necessities. The Sleep Center at Summit Medical Group recommends gradually adjusting sleep schedules at least two weeks prior to the start of school, in order to be alert and energized as well as to assure optimal learning, participation and health.

"Regular, satisfying sleep is important to a child’s overall health and well-being," says Howard Blaustein, MD, Medical Director of the Summit Medical Group Sleep Center. "In school-age children and teens, sporadic sleep patterns can lead to attention and mood disorders. A regular sleep pattern also facilitates learning and improves memory, both key to good academic performance and enjoyable participation in extracurricular activities. "

Parents may also find themselves unprepared for the sleep challenges that the new school year brings. Many need to wake up earlier in order to pack lunches, drive their kids to school or help them get to the bus stop on time. For adults, clinical studies have demonstrated that unsatisfying sleep patterns are at the core of many health-threatening conditions, including drowsy driving crashes.

"Try to maintain usual bed times for the entire family to make the transition back to school easier," adds Dr. Blaustein. "Parents and their children are happier after a good night’s sleep."

The Sleep Center at Summit Medical Group recommends these sleep tips to help parents and children start the school year strong:

Gradually adjust to earlier sleep and wake schedules ten days to two weeks before school begins. This will set biological clocks to the new schedule.
Keep a regular sleep schedule, and avoid extremes on weekends. Having a regular bedtime increases the likelihood that kids - including teens - will get optimal sleep.
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Reading before bed is a good choice for kids of all ages and for parents.
Create a sleep environment that is cool, quiet, dimly lit and comfortable.

Keep television, video games and other electronics out of the bedroom. Eliminate exposure to electronic media (television, video and computer games etc.) within an hour of bedtime.
Limit caffeine, especially after lunchtime.

Eat well and exercise.
Talk to your teens about the importance of healthy sleep and the consequences of sleepiness, including drowsy driving.
Recognize that children - including teens - need more sleep than adults.
Be an example. By practicing good sleep habits, your kids are less likely to adopt bad ones.

Summit Medical Group is a multispecialty medical group in New Jersey with over 120 highly qualified physicians. SMG treats over 30,000 patients per month at its main campus in Berkeley Heights, and four satellite offices in Shorts Hills, Summit, Warren, and Westfield. SMG plays a major role in the American Group Practice Association (AMGA) along with the Mayo Clinic, the Lahey Clinic and the Geisinger Clinic. As one of the premier multi-specialty groups on the East Coast, Summit Medical Group has provided exceptional primary and specialty care since 1929.

More information on the Sleep Center of Summit Medical Group: http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/service/Sleep-Disorders-Center/

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