Earlier Bedtimes are Better for Moms AND Kids (and the Science to Prove it)

what time should kids go to bed? is early bedtime better for kids? photo of young boy asleep in bed. MomCaveTV

Earlier bedtimes are better for everyone–moms, kids, and even the dog! Kids need around 11
hours of sleep every night, but many struggle to get that much. According to the National Sleep
Foundation, 43% of children between ages five and twelve don’t get enough sleep. This can
lead to problems with focus, behavior, and overall health. This article will answer the question
“How do earlier bedtimes benefit moms and kids?” Spoiler: They help everyone feel refreshed
and focused the next day.

Earlier Bedtimes And Kids’ Behavior

Are earlier bedtimes better for kids? Check the facts. Kids who don’t get enough sleep are more
likely to have tantrums and be disruptive in class. However, when they get a good night’s sleep,
they are calmer and better able to focus. If you’re a parent of young children, you know how
important it is to have a quiet house. Getting your kids to bed early can help with that!

One study found that when elementary school children went to bed just 30 minutes earlier, they
had better behavior the next day. The researchers think this is because the kids had more self-
control after a good night’s sleep. If you’re struggling with a tantrum-prone toddler or a disruptive
kindergartner, setting earlier bedtimes for kids might be the answer.

Of course, getting young children to go to bed earlier can be easier said than done. That said,
there are many ways to make bedtime fun and relaxing for everyone involved. For example, you
can read stories together, take a bath together, or listen to calming music before bed. If these
activities do not work, you can try a light relaxation technique such as yoga or meditation.
Helping your children get into a consistent evening routine will help them learn to associate
these late-night activities with bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep.

Kids Absorb Information Better When Well-Rested

When kids are well-rested, they can pay attention and learn better. For example, one study
found that when children got more sleep, they did better on reading, math, and memory tests.
If your child is struggling in school, talk to their teacher about how much sleep they get. It could
be that they need to go to bed earlier. You can also talk to your child’s doctor about whether an
earlier bedtime would help them.

Getting enough sleep is especially important for kids who have ADHD. According to one study,
children with ADHD who got more sleep had fewer symptoms and did better in school than
those who didn’t get enough sleep. So if your child has ADHD, an earlier bedtime could be an
excellent way to help them succeed.

Making an earlier bedtime can be challenging, but it’s worth it for your child’s health and
education.

Moms Have Time For Self-Care

One of the benefits of an earlier bedtime is that it gives moms some time for themselves. After
the kids are in bed, you can relax, read a book, or take a bath. This break from parenting can
help you recharge and feel more patient with your kids.

It’s essential to take care of yourself as a mom, and an early bedtime can help you do that.
When you’re well rested, you’re more likely to have patience and be in a good mood. This is
good for your mental health and sets a positive example for your kids.

Making an early bedtime happen might mean getting creative with your schedule. If possible, try
to get some help from your partner or a babysitter. This way, you can have some time to
yourself while the kids are sleeping.

There are many benefits of an earlier bedtime that go beyond just getting more sleep. Earlier
bedtimes can improve behavior, cognitive function, and even mental health. So if you’re
struggling with your children’s behavior and yours as well, an earlier bedtime might be the
answer.

Looking for more parenting tips for moms? Check out the rest of our site for more!

Author
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Jen

Jennifer Weedon Palazzo is the creator/writer/and producer of Mom Cave TV, an online network of comedy shows for moms including Slummy Mummy, Double Leche, Blabbermom, and MomCave LIVE. She's a working actress in NYC who has appeared in films, commercials, and some very off-off Broadway plays. When she’s not writing about the funny side of being a mom (for blogs like Scary Mommy and Mamalode) Jennifer can be found eating Reese’s Cups while furiously bidding on vintage clothing on eBay. She lives with her husband, Evan, bandleader of The Hot Sardines and two spirited children.