Sleep Ponderings: Time Change

As you face any difficulties related to the time change you may want to take some time to tune-up your child's sleep. Here are some reminders:

• Is your child's room dark? Darkness triggers sleep. You can pick up some roller black-out shades at Lowe's or Home Depot- ready to install. You can also order some nicer black-out cell shades from a number of on-line or local window covering vendors. I highly recommend something.
• Are you using some sort of noise maker? Those birds are chirping a bit earlier these days- a "sound spa" or fan can help drown out those early morning sounds. Just because the birds are up doesn't mean we should be up.
• Does your bedtime and wake-up routine have consistency? If it doesn't adjust. An easy, short routine is usually best.
• It is dark earlier now- take the opportunity to easily adjust bedtimes that need to be adjusted. Over and over I am confronted with overtired kids. A kid does not need to be falling asleep to be ready for bed.