Daylight saving time disrupting your child's sleep? Pediatrician offers advice
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The start of daylight saving time can be tough to navigate, especially for children.
With the time change and spring break approaching, Dr. Liz Placzek, a pediatrician at Children's Minnesota, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to offer advice on helping kids get a good night's sleep.
Sticking to your typical routine is key for kids, Placzek said. “Second, get them outside. Seeing the light in the morning can really help your body's circadian rhythm adjust. And then lastly, as always, limit your screen time. We know that screen time can really decrease the body's natural ability and to regulate their sleep cycles. So for at least one hour before you want your kids to fall asleep, no screens.”
Placzek also advised waking children up at their normal time, rather than letting them sleep in extra. Because adjustment often takes about a week, parents can gradually shift their child's bedtime back in 10- to 15-minute increments.
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player button above.
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