Page 88 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2024

HEALTHY LIVING
and the Post-Holiday Return to School
story by Nickie Harris-Ray
It’s the New Year, and it’s time to return to work. More importantly, it’s time for the kids to return to school. After over two weeks of midnight bedtimes and a diet of only sugar and milk, how do you get your young one, or yourself, back into regular sleeping habits?
Sleeping is essential regardless of age. However, the wrong amount of activity/sleep can lead to imbalanced immune systems, poor health, and interrupted day-to-day function in kids. This is even more true in kids with behavioral conditions such as hyperactivity disorders. These kids are three times as likely to have a problematic rate of falling asleep as those who do not have a diagnosis, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
As difficult as it may be, trying to keep a schedule, even during the holidays, is important. Consistency helps kids to feel secure. They can wake up in the morning alert and energized because they have a full night’s rest. For school-aged kids, the Cleveland Clinic recommends preschoolers and kindergarten age get at least 10 hours of sleep, lower grades, middle schoolers at least nine hours, and teenagers at least eight.
Kids should burn off energy during the day, even during 88 | January 2024
vacation. Though it is easy to plop down on a couch with a video game, riding their new bike during the day or getting the house back in order post-holiday decoration is more beneficial. This allows them to be sleepy by night and fall asleep easier.
After Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, limit the sweets. Some have caffeine, which causes restlessness in all age groups, including adults. Practice cooling down and relaxation techniques as the night winds down. Limit TV time, read bedtime stories, or help them take a warm bath, possibly with essential oils like lavender.
Kids may have been falling asleep to a loud house and bright Christmas decorations with flashing lights everywhere. Dim the lighting and allow them to fall asleep with only a night light if they are afraid of the dark. These actions, along with mommy and daddy falling back into a regular schedule as well, can help get the kids back on track and prepared for a successful 2024.
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