Wake Up Well Rested and Alert

Newswise — During the summer, many parents let their kids stay up at night and wake up later in the morning. The change back to earlier bedtimes has to be gradual and should be started at least two weeks before school begins, says Kristin Avis, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatric pulmonary medicine at UAB and psychologist at the UAB Sleep Disorder Clinic. "When a child wakes up tired, it affects his or her academic performance, so a good night's sleep is very important," she said, "especially since most academic activities take place in the morning at school." Avis recommends that parents put kids to bed earlier by 15 to 30 minutes every few days to get them used to a new bed time.