Charlotte Pediatrician Sheds Light on Back-to-School Sleep Routines

In Charlotte, N.C., ensuring a good night’s sleep for school-aged kids is piquing parents concern as the new school year approaches. To mitigate this, a local pediatrician, Dr. Carlos Paxtor from Carolina Pediatrics, offers unique insights into how to get children on schedule for a school-friendly sleep routine. Dr. Paxtor emphasizes that good sleep is paramount in optimizing kids’ learning performance in school.

The Significance of Sleep in School Performance

According to Dr. Paxtor, sleep is crucial for various reasons that significantly affect a child’s behavior, mental health, and learning capabilities. He asserts that lack of sleep can impair a child’s attention span thereby leading to adverse effects on their behavior and overall school performance.

In more severe circumstances, sleep deprivation can also contribute to mental health disorders. It has been associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other mental illnesses. Thus, ensuring kids have sufficient sleep can set the stage for optimal mental health in their later years.

Tips for a Back-to-School Sleep Routine

For parents who are apprehensive about their child’s sleep schedule, Dr. Paxtor advises initiating a healthy sleeping pattern two weeks before the school year commences. He recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per night, a routine which gives enough time for children to adapt and adjust.

To ensure children adhere to this routine and go to bed on time, Dr. Paxtor proposes a few strategies such as reducing screen time before bed, creating a calm and comfortable sleeping environment, and establishing consistent bedtime and wake-up times.

More Information

Parents can interact with Carolina Pediatrics through their website or social media platforms to get more personalized strategies for their unique family circumstances. Additionally, other resources can provide more information on topics like making healthy choices for school lunches.

The importance of a good sleep routine for school-going children cannot be overstated. Not only does it significantly impact their academic performance, but it is vital for their mental health and overall wellbeing. Parents are urged to take proactive steps to ensure their children have a suitable sleep schedule for the upcoming school year.