Kids and Sleep: Ask the Doctor

HELPcare Clinic Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Kimmes shares useful tips for helping kids get adequate sleep to help their bodies grow.

Recommended sleep by age

Signs your child is not getting enough sleep

• They may be tired, cranky, or irritable.
• If school age, they may fall asleep at school.
• Have a hard time focusing on a task.

Tips to help your child sleep soundly

• Have a routine bedtime for your child.
• Their bedroom temperature should be on the cool side. This helps encourage deep sleep.
• Room-darkening curtains, so light doesn't come into the bedroom.
• Avoid bright night lights. If your child needs a night light, choose a dim one and place it away from the bed. A red night light is better than a white one since it's less intense.
• For an older child, keep phones in a central docking station as the lights from phones or notifications from them can be disturbing to their sleep.

Note: These videos are presented for educational purposes only. Your use of this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Specific medical advice is only offered through membership in HELPcare Clinic.

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Alexi Aase

Alexi works with the HELPcare content and marketing team. She lives in Rochester, MN with her husband and four children.