Yes, it is that time of the year.
Fall is when the clock falls back and you get an extra hour (in theory).
What does that mean for your child’s sleep?
Their normal bedtime will feel like an hour earlier and your child might want to wake up an hour earlier in the morning! Yikes! That does not sound good.
What can you do to prevent a bedtime battle and/or a too early wake up?
Strategies for dealing with time change:
1) Move the bedtime and all activities 15 minutes earlier every three days the week before the time change.
If the normal bedtime is 7 PM you can adjust by:
October 28, 29, 30 bedtime is 7:15
October 31, Nov 1, 2 bedtime is 7:30
November 3, 4, 5 bedtime is 7:45
Time change on November 6 the bedtime is 8 PM which will change to 7 PM during the night.
You can also make the 15 minute adjustments every three days after the time change.
2) Keep the lights bright in your house to help delay the bedtime.
3) Use room darkening blinds or shades in your child’s room to promote sleep for your child. This might help delay that early morning wake time.
4) If you prefer you can make the hour change at once but keep in mind it will probably take your child’s body about three days to adjust. Move the entire schedule including meals and activities. Use light in the evening to delay bedtime and darkness to promote sleep in the morning.
Warning:
Do not let the time change push your child’s bedtime later. The first sleep at the beginning of the night is the most restorative. You do not want your child to miss out on that good sleep. Early bedtimes lead to better rested children. Use the early darkness of evening to help your child get the amount and type of sleep their body needs for health and growth.
I have supported and guided many families to get their child sleeping well which improves sleep for the entire family. That could be you.
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