Pediatric experts urge consistent sleep schedules for students

Pediatric health experts are urging parents to establish consistent sleep routines for children as the school year progresses. Maintaining regular bedtimes and wake-up times, including on weekends, is recommended to align internal body clocks and support cognitive function, academic performance, and emotional stability.

Sleep requirements vary significantly by age group. According to experts and the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers aged 3 to 5 typically need 10 to 13 hours of sleep. School-age children (6 to 12 years) require approximately 9 to 12 hours, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 need between 8 and 10 hours.

Insufficient sleep can manifest as daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, or hyperactivity. Specialists advise against daytime napping for adolescents, as it can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns. Establishing these routines ideally begins one to two weeks before the school year starts.