Star Sleeper National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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Hints for Healthy Sleep
Here are some important things you can do to ensure that your child gets enough sleep:

  • Set a regular time for bed each night and stick to it.
  • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading him or her a story.
  • Make after-dinner playtime a relaxing time. Too much activity close to bedtime can keep children awake.
  • Avoid feeding children big meals close to bedtime.
  • Avoid giving children anything with caffeine less than six hours before bedtime.
  • Set the bedroom temperature so that it's comfortable – not too warm and not too cold.
  • Make sure the bedroom is dark. If necessary, use a small nightlight.
  • Keep the noise level low.