Aug 16, 2026 — 0 minutes
As the back-to-school season approaches, many families become busy buying school supplies, uniforms, and preparing school bags. But there is another, more important preparation that we may overlook: reorganizing the child’s sleep!
During the holidays, the rhythm of the household changes; bedtime and wake-up times become later, and the child gets used to staying up late. Then, suddenly, on the first day of school, we expect them to go to bed early and wake up at six in the morning with full energy and focus! The problem is that the biological clock does not change with a quick decision; it needs time and gradual adjustment.
Because sleep is not simply a period of rest for the body. It is also a time when the brain carries out essential processes for learning, growth, and emotional regulation. Adequate sleep is also associated with attention, concentration, problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, and positive social interaction.
As a result, the child may experience irritability, poor concentration, decreased motivation to learn, and much more.
But how can we reorganize the child’s sleep before school?
1. Don’t wait until the last night
Start about a week before school begins. The later the child’s bedtime is, the earlier it is better to start.
2. Gradually move bedtime and wake-up time earlier each day
Continue until you reach the appropriate schedule for school days.
3. Keep a consistent wake-up time
Organizing the wake-up time is just as important as organizing bedtime. Waking up at a consistent time helps the biological clock reset itself, even if the child feels somewhat sleepy during the first few days.
4. Make the morning bright and active
Open the curtains and expose the child to morning light, along with some movement and activity. This sends a clear message to the body: the day has begun. Gradually, this helps the child feel sleepy earlier in the evening.
5. Reduce screen time before bed
It is better for the last hour before bedtime to be calmer and less connected to phones, games, and devices. Replace them with a bath, reading, or a quiet family conversation (and I know this is the hardest one!).
6. Bring back the school routine before school starts
It is not only about sleep.
Gradually start bringing meal times, breakfast, and morning activities closer to their school-day schedules. The body loves a regular rhythm.
7. Don’t turn sleep into a battle
Constant shouting and pressure to make the child sleep may cause bedtime to become associated with stress!
Going back to school starts before the first class bell on the first day. Therefore, before we tell our children: “Get ready for school,” perhaps we should first help their bodies and minds return calmly to their proper rhythm.
Ghada Al-Sheikh
Early Childhood Consultant
Certified Educational Projects Developer
