Keeping Your Kids Healthy This Summer

Get Enough Sleep

Poor or inadequate sleep may lead to decreased attentiveness, mood swings, behavioral problems, and decreased short-term memory and response time, according to The Sleep Foundation. All of these things may affect a child’s overall health and development. Kids Health suggests children get between 10 and 11 hours of sleep per night for ages 5 to 12 while teens need 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night. Some tips include the following:

  • Keeping a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine
  • Making your child's bedroom conducive to sleep — dark, cool and quiet
  • Keeping TVs and computers out of the bedroom
  • Avoiding caffeine, especially five to six hours before bedtime
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Review Date: 
May 8, 2015

Last Updated:
May 8, 2015