ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – Starting school can be very exciting for both kids and parents, but it also means a big change to schedules, especially when it comes to sleep.
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Medical professionals said it’s best to get your children in a healthy sleeping routine at least a week or two before school begins.
Dr. Bridgett Foreman with the Freedman Clinic of Internal Medicine said kids between the ages of three and five should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep every night.
Kids between the ages of six and 12 need about 9 to 12 hours, and children 13 to 18 need eight to 10 hours of sleep.
“Kids who don’t get enough sleep at night are at an increased risk for behavioral problems,” Dr. Foreman said. “Even hypertension and obesity can be chronic long term problems from not getting enough sleep at night.”
Dr. Foreman also said that limiting screen time at least an hour before bedtime will help children sleep better.
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