Back To School: Sleep Hygiene

It’s that time of year again to dust off the alarm clock, hunt down those school supplies and reinstate routines. We at Putnam Hospital Center know the excitement -- and anxieties -- that come with going back to school. To help parents, hospital staff offer these tips to ensure your children have a successful 2014-2015 school year.

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Dr. Arun Agarwal, medical director of the Sleep Center at Putnam Hospital Center says, "Sleep is one of the most important factors in the emotional, physical and intellectual development of children."

Did you know:

Adequate sleep is necessary for the brain to function properly.
Permanent memories form only during good sleep.
Proper sleep causes good hormone changes that lead to growth in height.
The right amount of sleep helps to avoid becoming overweight.
Good nighttime sleep habits help in the daytime learning process.
Many diseases become worse if adequate sleep is lacking.

Tips for good sleep:

Pick a consistent bedtime and waking time.
Daytime nap should be short (20 minutes only).
Sleep should be about 12 hours for preschoolers, about 10 hours for children and about eight hours for adults.
Room should be cool, dark and quiet.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, exercise and video games a few hours prior to sleep.
Do not do any work or play in bed.