Getting back to the regular school year routine can be challenging for everyone, especially after a summer full of fun and a break from a structured schedule.

Here are a few pointers for an easy transition into the school year schedule:

Maintain Regular Sleep Schedules: Summer schedules can mean later bedtimes. Start adjusting your child’s bedtime a week or two before school begins, altering bed times slightly over several days rather than making the change all at once.

Wind Down Time: Kids are naturally excited so allow enough wind down time. Follow normal sleep habits (such as a bath or shower before bed and story time) to help your child settle down after an exciting evening.

Pay Attention and Prevent Accidents: Recognize the importance of sleep for alertness and mood. If children are involved in activities, watch for signs of fatigue such as yawning, impulsiveness, and/or moodiness. Children are also more prone to accidents and meltdowns when they are tired.

Moderation, Moderation, Moderation: Pay close attention to the child’s diet, especially the amount of sweets they ingest. Too much candy and soft drinks may lead to stomach aches and illness during the night.

Claire Stagg, DDS, MS, practices whole-body holistic dentistry at Health Connections Dentistry, 2120 Highway A1A, in Indian Harbour Beach,321-777-2797. For more information on sleep topics, visit SmileProfessionals.com or the National Sleep Foundation’s website at SleepFoundation.org. To educate kids about sleep, NSF also offers SleepForKids.org.