NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is encouraging parents and carers to build healthy sleep routines as families prepare for the end of the summer holidays.
Quality sleep is essential for children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning and development. It’s also crucial to help parents and carers feel more rested.
The summer months can often result in a break from well-established routines, but restarting a consistent pattern before the new school term begins offers a good opportunity to reset sleep habits.
NHSGGC has partnered up with Sleep Action – the national sleep charity – to share top tips for a good night’s sleep before schools and nurseries go back.
There are practical steps families can take to encourage healthy sleep at every age:
- Babies and younger children: Keep regular bedtimes and wake-up times, follow a calm and predictable bedtime routine, and create a quiet, comfortable sleep environment. Limiting stimulating activities and screen use before bedtime can also help children settle more easily.
- Older children and teenagers: Aim to maintain regular sleep routines throughout the week, reduce evening screen use (including phones, tablets and gaming), especially in the lead up to bedtime, and encourage time to relax. Talking through worries or stresses during the day may also help improve sleep.
- Children and young people with additional support needs: Sleep routines may need to be adapted to meet individual needs. Consistent routines, visual schedules, calming activities and reducing sensory distractions can help some children settle more easily. Families should seek support if sleep difficulties are having a significant impact on their child’s wellbeing or family life.
Catriona Milosevic, Consultant in Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “There is no ‘perfect’ sleep routine that works for every family. Our aim is to provide practical, evidence-based advice that parents and carers can adapt to suit their own circumstances. If sleep difficulties are persistent or affecting family life, support is available.
“Right now we’re focused on helping families get ready for the end of the summer break, but this advice works year-round. Even small changes to bedtime routines like setting a time for bed and dimming the lights can often make a positive difference.”
Alyson O’Brien, Head of Sleep Action, said: “We know that every family is different, and even small changes can make a real difference. Through our partnership with NHSGGC, we hope to give families the confidence and practical advice they need to support better sleep.”
Over the coming months, NHSGGC and Sleep Action will continue to share age- and stage-specific sleep advice and practical resources across their digital channels to support families throughout the year.
Families can find practical, age-specific sleep advice on the NHSGGC KIDS website.
If additional support is needed, parents and carers can speak to their Health Visitor, school or access guidance from Sleep Action.
