As the lazy days of summer wind down, families everywhere are bracing for the back-to-school rush—backpacks, lunchboxes, early alarms, and yes, the return of bedtime battles. But here’s the truth: a good night’s sleep is just as essential as school supplies when it comes to your child’s success in the classroom.
At City Mattress, we believe every student deserves to start their day feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to learn. So, we’ve gathered our top back-to-school sleep tips to help your kids—and you—make the transition to a healthy school-year sleep schedule, without the tears and groggy mornings.
Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when children’s bodies grow, memories solidify, and brains recharge. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
- Children aged 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep.
- Teens aged 13–18 need 8–10 hours.
Without enough rest, kids may struggle with attention, behavior, and academic performance. A consistent bedtime routine can make a huge difference in their emotional and mental well-being—not to mention your mornings.
1. Start the Transition Early
Don’t wait until the night before school starts to change your child’s bedtime. Begin adjusting their schedule at least 1–2 weeks in advance by:
- Moving bedtime 15–30 minutes earlier every few days.
- Gradually waking them up earlier to match their school wake-up time.
- Limiting naps and late-night activities that interfere with the new routine.
2. Power Down the Screens
Electronics emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. To encourage better rest:
- Turn off all screens (TVs, tablets, phones, gaming devices) at least 1 hour before bed.
- Create a charging station outside the bedroom to avoid late-night scrolling.
- Replace screen time with calming activities like reading, journaling, or a warm bath.
3. Create a Restful Sleep Environment
A cozy, cool, dark, quiet, and distraction-free bedroom makes a big difference. Try these tips to upgrade your child’s sleep space:
- Invest in the right mattress: A supportive mattress that suits your child’s size and sleep style can improve comfort and quality of sleep.
- Bedding matters: Breathable, hypoallergenic sheets and pillows make for a cleaner, cooler sleep.
- Block out distractions: Use blackout curtains and white noise machines to reduce disruptions from light and sound.
Explore our collection of kids' and teen mattresses, adjustable beds, and cozy bedding in twin, Twin XL, full, full XL, and queen sizes at City Mattress to turn their bedroom into a sleep sanctuary.
4. Stick to a Consistent Routine
Children thrive on routine. Create a calming bedtime ritual that signals it’s time to wind down:
- Same bedtime and wake-up time—even on weekends!
- 15–30 minutes of quiet, relaxing activities (storytime, soft music, or gentle stretching).
- Avoid caffeine, sugary snacks, and heavy meals in the evening.
5. Be Patient—and Flexible
Every child is different. Some will adjust quickly; others may need more time. The key is consistency and understanding. If sleep struggles persist, consider speaking with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist.
Back-to-School Starts with a Good Night’s Sleep
Helping your kids ease into a school-year sleep schedule isn’t just about avoiding morning meltdowns—it’s about setting them up for a successful year full of learning, growth, and confidence.
At City Mattress, we’re here to support your family’s sleep from bedtime to bell time. Browse our selection of high-quality mattresses, bedding, and furniture online or visit one of our showrooms to get expert advice and kid-approved comfort.
Sleep better. Live better. Learn better.
Let’s make this school year the best (and most well-rested) one yet.