Over the last few weeks, parents have been busy loading up on new clothes and school supplies, but they should also consider changing their child's sleeping habits before school starts.
"When they go to school, they have to get up in time and they have to do so much in school so it's very important they start early on and get them back in routine," said Dr. Malvika Sagar, a sleep specialist at McLane Children's Medical Center.
Lauren Aguilar is going on 9-years-old and she can't wait to start third grade. As the new kid on the block, she's eager to make some new pals, but she's not looking forward to giving up her freedom.
"During the summer, she can stay up as late as she wants, as long as she remembers to put her mask on every night," said Lauren's mother, April Aguilar.
Lauren has sleep apnea, which causes her to stop breathing throughout the night. It's something she inherited from her grandfather. Since January, she's been using a machine that helps her rest easy. But like any child, it's going to sleep that's the hard part.
Dr. Sagar said lack of sleep can cause weight gain, moodiness and problems with attention.
"Her and her step-dad go it at all the time if she hasn't had enough sleep. Now when she has good sleep, she's an angel, she's the perfect child," said April.
Dr. Sagar said your child should go to sleep around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. during the school year.
"I have to go to sleep early, even though I'm still like awake. But I'm forced to," said Lauren.
Whether they like it, or not.
To make sure your child gets eight to 10 hours of sleep each night, Dr. Sagar said you should encourage them to exercise daily, limit their caffeine and have them turn off their electronics one hour before they go to sleep.
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