Back-to-School Sleep Schedules

Published 8/6/26 


During summer and holiday breaks from school, a child’s sleep schedule may change. It is important to plan ahead to help your child return to a consistent schedule before school begins. Take the following steps to prepare your child for back-to-school sleep:

  • Back-to-School Sleep SchedulesBegin adjusting bedtime a few weeks before school begins, gradually moving up bedtime and wake time by 15 minutes each night.

  • Develop a calm, relaxing bedtime routine each night, which includes turning off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime, eating a snack, reading and/or taking a bath.

  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule every night, even on the weekends, with weekend bedtimes and wake times within an hour of the regular weekday schedule.

  • Ensure that your child's bedroom environment is cool, dark, comfortable, and technology free.

  • Create a central charging station in the kitchen or other non-sleeping room, where the entire family's devices (phones, tablets, video games) are plugged in at bedtime.

  • Make sleep a priority for the entire family! If you model healthy sleep behaviors, your child will also have healthy sleep behaviors, setting them up for success in school.