When the school year kicks off, bedtime routines matter more than ever. A good night’s sleep is essential for kids to stay sharp in class, build strong learning habits, and tackle each school day with energy and confidence.
At Little Sleepery, we believe a new school year is the perfect chance to reset and refresh bedtime routines. In this blog, we’re sharing practical yet effective sleep tips to help your family transition smoothly into the school year.
Why Does Sleep Matter For My Child?
Getting a good night’s sleep does more than energize kiddos the next morning. While your child sleeps, their brain is busy organizing memories, boosting focus, and recharging their little brains and bodies for the next big day.
Sleep can be a struggle, especially during the busy back-to-school season. But helping your child get quality rest is one of the best things you can do to support their health and learning.
Sleep is the key to kids staying alert in class, managing their emotions, and growing strong and healthy. Sleep is like a superpower… and bedtime is how they charge up!
1. Gradually Adjust Sleep Schedule
Summer nights may have turned into late-night giggles and lazy mornings, but as the school year starts back up, it’s time to gently shift gears.
Instead of flipping kids' schedules overnight (hello chaos!), ease into a new routine by adjusting in small steps. Try shifting bedtime and morning wake-up 15 minutes earlier every few days. This way, their growing bodies have time to keep up with the change.
The more time kids have to adjust, the smoother those first few school mornings will feel for the whole family. A gentle reset now means less stress later, and an easier transition into back-to-school routines.
2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
We know screens are part of every child's school year, but when it comes to bedtime, it’s best to power down.
Tablets, phones, TVs, and even light-up e-readers emit blue light, which tells your child’s brain, “stay awake!” instead of “time to get cozy,” making it harder for them to wind down.
Turning off screens at least an hour before bed helps kids drift into sleep faster and wake up more refreshed, which is key for staying focused and ready to learn during the school day. Swap screen time for a calming bedtime story or quiet activity to help them relax and recharge.
Little Sleepery Pro Tip: Set up a family charging station outside the bedroom to keep devices out of reach. It’s an easy way to support healthy sleep, and helps us grown-ups too!
3. Exercise For Better Sleep
A little movement during the day can make a big difference at bedtime, helping your kiddo sleep better and feel ready for the school day ahead.
Physical activity burns off extra energy, reduces stress, and makes it easier for kids to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Well-rested children are more focused, alert, and ready to learn.
Whether it’s after-school sports, a bike ride around the block, or a backyard game of tag, it’s easy to fit movement into any family’s day. Just be sure to wind things down at least 3–4 hours before bedtime so their bodies have time to relax and get ready for sleep.
4. Set Up The Right Sleeping Space
Every child is unique, and their sleep setup should be, too. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to comfort, which is why creating the right sleep environment for them makes all the difference.
Invest in a good quality mattress to properly support your child's growing body. If your child sleeps hot, Little Sleepery’s breathable, cooling mattresses are a great solution. Temperature-regulating memory foam pulls heat away and keeps kids cool, cozy, and refreshed by morning.
Do you have a little one who tosses and turns through the night? Our classic mattresses feature 3–4 supportive layers of soft, cloud-like memory foam to keep kids comfy and settled while they sleep.
For sensitive kiddos that suffer from late-night sniffles, a hypoallergenic mattress and mattress cover feature antimicrobial material and keep their sleeping environment clean.
Whether your child needs cooling comfort, healthy alignment, or allergen-free sleep, Little Sleepery offers mattresses are designed to support their best rest. Explore our mattress comparison guide to find their perfect match and build a dreamy foundation for every school day.
5. Stay Consistent in Bedtime Routine
Consistency is the key to better school-year sleep. To help your child stay in rhythm, try to keep bedtimes and wake-up times within an hour of the weekday routine, even on weekends.
While it’s tempting to stretch bedtime for a movie night or sleep in on Sunday, sticking to a steady schedule keeps your child’s internal clock on track. Plus, the benefits go beyond just better rest. Kids with consistent routines are often more focused, less stressed, and ready to take on the day with confidence.
And if bedtime slips a little here and there? No worries, what matters most is getting back on track. Sticking to a routine teaches kids that healthy habits are worth returning to, even when life gets a little off schedule.
6. Make Bedtime Something to Look Forward To
Want to create a nighttime routine your kids get excited about?
Create a wind-down routine your child will look forward to, like reading a new storybook together or taking a warm bath. Familiar, playful routines help signal it’s time to relax, making it easier for kids to settle down, fall asleep, and wake up ready to take on the school day.
A bunk or loft bed can turn bedtime into a mini adventure, giving kids a new and exciting way to rest. Safety matters just as much as fun, so pairing these beds with a low-profile mattress ensures guardrails stay in tack, keeping your child securely tucked in all night.
Little Sleepery mattresses are the perfect blend of cloud-like comfort and practical peace of mind, an upgrade that makes bedtime feel special for kids and reassuring for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should kids sleep?
The amount of sleep needed varies depending on your child’s age, activity levels, and individual needs. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests:
- - Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep.
- - School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep.
- - Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep.
What time should kids go to sleep?
The ideal bedtime for kids depends on how much sleep they need and when they wake up. Refer to the list above to see how much sleep your little one requires, then subtract from their wake-up time.
Little Sleepery Tip: Start your nighttime routine about 30–60 minutes before bedtime to help your child ease into a relaxing mood for sleep.
How can you get kids to fall asleep?
If your child is struggling to fall asleep, try quick fixes like a soothing bath, calming story, or warm, caffeine-free drink like hot cocoa. Dimming the lights, playing soft music, and avoiding screens can also help them relax.
How to get kids to stay asleep through the night?
If your child wakes up at night, try keeping their room cool, dark, and quiet. Stick to a calm routine, skip sugary snacks before bed, and use a cooling mattress to reduce tossing and turning.
Ready for Good Sleep and A Great School Year?
A successful school year starts with a good night’s sleep, and we’re here to help make that happen. At Little Sleepery, we believe that sleep is the foundation for focus, learning, and all the amazing things kids do during the day.
From sticking to consistent routines to creating the perfect sleep environment, these back-to-school tips are designed to help your child fall asleep easier, sleep through the night, and wake up ready to shine at school.
Little Sleepery mattresses are durable, hypoallergenic, breathable, and designed to support your child all school year long. Explore our collection of mattresses for kids today and give your child the sleep they need to succeed this school year!
