Many parents report bedtime challenges for kids after Daylight Saving Time

Mar 6 2017

Half of all American parents say Daylight Saving Time (DST) affects their kids and more than one-quarter (29%) report it's more difficult to get children to sleep after the time change, according to a new survey from the Better Sleep Council, the nonprofit consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association. Of those parents who report bedtime challenges for their kids after DST, many (94%) report it takes two or more days for kids to get back into their regular sleep pattern and one-third (31%) say it takes six days or more.

Overall, more than one-quarter (28%) of all parents do not like putting their clock ahead one hour for DST. Other findings from this group:

When asked about children's regular bedtime patterns, many parents reported they already feel like their kids aren't getting enough sleep (24%). About half (48%) of those same parents find it at least somewhat frustrating to get their kids to sleep on a typical night. These feelings are more prevalent with parents of tweens and teens (11-18 years).

The BSC suggests the following top tips to help kids get back into their regular sleep pattern after Daylight Saving Time goes into effect:

• Go slow. In the week before DST, try to put your kids to bed 15 minutes early to prep them for the time change.
• Create a ritual. Your kids likely already have a bedtime routine. Stick with it and consider adding an extra step or two like reading a storybook together or having them take a warm bath or shower to help relax before bed.
• Keep it light. Avoid eating heavy meals at least two to three hours before bed. Eating too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep quality.

Source: Better Sleep Council