This weekend, residents of Iowa will need to adjust their clocks forward by an hour as the region transitions into Daylight Saving Time. For parents with young children, this change can be challenging. Dr. Casy Freymiller, a pediatrician, advises that preparation is key to ensuring a smoother transition for kids. He suggests gradually adjusting bedtime routines in the days leading up to the time change. This proactive approach can help minimize disruptions and maintain healthy sleep patterns for children, who are particularly sensitive to changes in their daily routines.
Dr. Freymiller recommends a technique known as "bedtime fading" to ease the adjustment process. This method involves making small, incremental changes to bedtime over several days. By shifting the bedtime earlier in 15-minute intervals, the overall impact of losing an hour of sleep becomes less abrupt. According to Dr. Freymiller, these minor adjustments can significantly reduce the stress associated with the time change, especially for children who may not handle sudden shifts well.
The importance of adequate sleep cannot be overstated, particularly for children and teenagers. Research has shown that insufficient sleep can have adverse effects on mood, emotional regulation, memory formation, and academic performance. Dr. Freymiller emphasizes that proper rest is essential for maintaining focus and staying on task during school hours. Furthermore, studies indicate that only a fraction of high school students meet the recommended eight hours of sleep per night, with recent data showing a decline in sleep duration among adolescents over the past decade.
In light of these findings, preparing children in advance for the time change is crucial. Parents should communicate openly with their kids about the upcoming shift and involve them in the adjustment process. By doing so, families can mitigate the potential negative impacts of the time change and promote healthier sleep habits. Ultimately, this preparation can lead to better overall well-being and improved daily functioning for both children and parents alike.