ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – This Sunday, as the clock strikes 2 a.m., a familiar ritual will unfold across the nation: the clocks will spring back an hour, granting everyone an extra hour of sleep, a small yet cherished gift in our hectic lives.
Yet, while many may find this time change exhilarating, the conclusion of daylight-saving time can also pose challenges, particularly for families with young children who may struggle to adjust.
Dr. Casey Freymiller, a pediatrician with UW Health in Rockford, explains the emotional turbulence that can accompany this transition, noting that shifts in sleep schedules may leave children grumpy and grappling with their feelings.
“They have a hard time describing how they feel, so it can be a little confusing to have such a sudden shift in behaviors and emotions for children that can catch parents off guard,” said Dr. Freymiller, highlighting the complex nature of childhood emotional responses.
He emphasizes that the effects of daylight-saving time aren’t confined to young ones; teenagers, though typically more adaptable, can still experience significant impacts on their mental health during this period.
“Having good sunlight exposure, exercising in the morning, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and maintaining a calm nightly routine are essential to helping kids adjust,” advised Dr. Freymiller, who advocates for consistent sleep practices, including limiting screen time in the bedroom.
Maintaining a stable sleep schedule is critical for children, not only for their overall well-being and emotional regulation but also for their capacity to learn and retain information effectively. Dr. Freymiller introduced the concept of “bedtime fading” as a strategy to ensure a smoother transition.
To ease the adaptation process, he suggests that starting Wednesday, parents incrementally shift their children’s bedtime and wake-up time by 15 minutes each night. This gradual adjustment will help maintain a schedule that feels familiar, even after the hour change.
If your child continues to struggle with waking up, there are playful and effective methods to rouse them from slumber.
“If my son doesn’t want to get up in the morning, I’ll jump on top of him and start bombarding him with kisses and tickles, and that wakes him up in a pretty good mood because he thinks it’s funny,” shared Lacie Upmann, a mother of a lively 5-year-old, showcasing an engaging approach to brighten morning routines.
