With students now back in class and families settling into school routines, a psychologist says sleep should be a back-to-school priority.
Dr. Christine Korol, a registered psychologist, says tiredness can look like stress, low mood or trouble adjusting.
After a summer of later nights, Korol says families should focus less on forcing an earlier bedtime and more on establishing a consistent morning routine.
Getting up at the same time helps build what Korol calls “sleep pressure” through the day, making it easier to fall asleep naturally at night. Morning light and physical activity can also help reset the body’s internal clock.
Teenagers can be especially challenging because their natural sleep cycle tends to shift later. Korol says parents may need to give teens some flexibility while still keeping mornings consistent.
Korol also notes that waking briefly during the night is normal, and feeling groggy immediately after waking does not necessarily mean someone slept poorly.
As school routines settle in, she says consistency, activity and realistic expectations can help both children and parents get their sleep back on track.
Written by Jeremy Hall
Dr. Christine Korol is a registered psychologist currently based in BC, Alberta, Ontario and the Yukon. You can reach Dr. Korol at www.stillmindstudio.com
