MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – If you don’t start at least gradually changing sleep habits by mid-August, doctors say it can be a rude awakening when the alarm goes off for school.
We all know that kids like to stay up later and sometimes sleep in during the summer, especially with the later sunsets. But by mid-August these habits need to change or it can be a rude awakening when the alarm goes off for school.
Light is one of the main things that impacts sleep/wake patterns. Experts say have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier than they have been during their break. Or try by 30 minutes every 3 days. For example…
- August 17: Last day of 10 pm bedtime
- August 18 – 21: Bedtime 9:30 pm
- August 22 – 25: Bedtime 9 pm
- August 26 – 29: Bedtime 8:30 pm
- Labor Day Weekend: Bedtime 8 pm
- September 3rd – First day of school
Sleep helps us form our memories and helps us do emotional regulation. It helps the front part of our brain, which is important for what they call executive function.
The amount of sleep children need varies based on their age. A 3-year-old needs about 12 hours and a 10-year-old needs about 10 hours. That number decreases as they get older.
What about weekends? Our bodies like routine and sleep best when we keep weekends and school day sleep schedules within an hour of each other. A child with an 8 pm bedtime during the week should be in bed by 9 on the weekends.
Once the school year is underway, watch for signs your child may not be getting enough sleep. In elementary aged kids, lack of sleep usually presents as more tantrums, grumpy, more emotional, and fights with siblings.
In pre-teens and teens it can cause moodiness, withdrawal from family activities, poor attention or follow through with homework or chores, and trying to take naps to make up for missed sleep overnight.
If you suspect your child isn’t getting enough sleep, move bedtime back by 30 minutes every three nights until you feel the problem is resolved. Contact your child’s doctor if you’re unable to resolve the issues through increased sleep.
The Ithaca School District Goes to Referendum
9/14/2024 | Jo Ann Krulatz
Residents of the Ithaca School District will be seeing a referendum question on the ballot next month. That question will ask the voters to authorize the Ithaca School District to exceed the revenue limit by $1.3 million per year for four years for non-recurring purposes. The reason for the ask is both simple and complex. […]
Elijah Vue Has Been Found
9/14/2024 | Jo Ann Krulatz
Missing three year old, Elijah Vue, has been found. Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert: Police say a hunter discovered Elijah’s remains last weekend on private property near in the Town of Two Rivers. They were positively identified by the Wisconsin Crime Lab through DNA testing. The 3-year-old was reported missing February 20th of this […]
Surface Water Grants Available
9/14/2024
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will award more than $6 million to local groups to protect and improve surface water. Interested and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for a surface water grant. A pre-application must be submitted by this Sunday (September 15), to compete for a grant in November. Eligible organizations include […]
Wisconsin State Senate Candidate Believes Voters Want Change in District 18
9/13/2024 | Teri Barr
Democratic State Senate Candidate Kristin Alfheim discusses respectful dialogue, compromise, and problem-solving on the Matenaer on Air show.
Two Rivers Police: Elijah Vue has been found
9/13/2024
Elijah Vue has been found. The human skeletal remains found in the Town of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County have been positively identified as those of the missing 3-year-old.
