Minimize children's sleep problems with bedtime routine

William Nichols - Writer
Laurie Weinreb-Welch - Clinton County Extension Educator

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Unplug the TV, turn off the computer and force the kids to quit stalling and go to bed.


Doing so can help parents and caregivers recover up to 200 hours of sleep a year lost due to children's nighttime awakenings, according to a Penn State Cooperative Extension expert.
 
"American children sleep less than doctors recommend. In fact, two-thirds experience frequent sleep problems," explained Laurie Weinreb-Welch, a children, youth and family extension educator based in Clinton County.

These sleep problems develop during infancy and result in one-quarter of infants, toddlers and preschoolers appearing sleepy or overtired during the day, according to the National Sleep Foundation. This number increases to three out of 10 school-aged children having difficulty awakening in the morning.

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