Students Need More Than Sharpened Pencils, Notebooks

Back-to-school time is just around the corner. With this in mind, the Better Sleep Council offers the following ten "do's" and "don'ts" to ensure that your child gets the sleep he or she needs to be a star student.

1) Do help your child to get at least nine hours of sleep each night. To be their best, children need at least nine hours of sleep every night.

2) Don't overschedule your child. Too many after-school activities and commitments can keep children from precious sleep. Allow your child plenty of time for homework and chores each night to ensure that they are not forced to stay up past their bedtime.

3) Do set a regular bedtime for your child and stick to it. A regular bedtime can help ensure your child gets a full night's sleep.

4) Don't allow your child to consume caffeine too close to bedtime. Consuming caffeine, found in soda and chocolate, in the evening can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep.

5) Do help your child wind down early in the evening. Tackle science projects, book reports and other homework either before or right after dinner. Allow your child at least one hour before bedtime to relax and unwind.

6) Don't allow your child to fall asleep in front of the television. Noise from a television, radio, or even loud conversations can keep your child from deep, restful sleep.

7) Do make sure your child's bedroom is dark. Be sure the lights are turned off and the shades are closed in your child's room before he or she goes to bed. While a small nightlight is fine, if necessary, a dark room is most conducive for a good night's sleep.

8) Don't skimp on your child's mattress. Handing down an old mattress to a child just isn't a good idea. Because mattresses wear out over time, it's important to maximize your child's chances of restful sleep by making sure he or she is sleeping on a good-quality, comfortable mattress.

9) Do help your child develop a sleep ritual. Routine activities like taking a bath or reading with your child can help him or her unwind and get into sleep mode.

10) Don't let your child's room get too warm or too cool. Children (and adults) may have a difficult time falling and staying asleep in a room that's too warm or too cool. The ideal sleeping temperature is around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For more information on getting a good night's sleep or on buying a new mattress, visit the Better Sleep Council's Web site at www.bettersleep.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Andrea Herman, (703) 683-8371 or Erin Hill, (202) 452-9405, erin.hill@ogilvypr.com.