FALL BACK!
With fall in the air, this means the end of Daylight Saving Time is right around the corner. While some may be excited for the extra hour of sleep on the morning of November 7th, others may be wondering how they can get their child adjusted to the time change. For many kids, this can be a difficult adjustment and can result in a decrease in sensory regulation and an increase in sensory-related behaviors. We created this handout in hopes that it will help make this process go a little smoother.
Preparing for the Time Change
There are two different ways that you can prepare your child for the change in their sleep schedulešplan ahead or adjust their bedtime after Daylight Saving Time ends. You can find descriptions and examples for both methods on the following pages. Please note that one option is not necessarily better than the other. You should choose the method that you think will work best for you and your family.
Bedtime / Wake Up Time Example: 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Method 1: Plan Ahead
This method involves slowly adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake up time before Daylight Saving Time ends.
If you choose to do this method, you will start a few days before Daylight Saving Time and adjust your child’s sleep schedule in 15 minute increments each day. Your child will hopefully be on the right sleeping schedule when the time changes on Sunday, November 7th at 2:00 AM. The table below shows an example of a bedtime/wake up schedule to prepare for the time change.
Bedtime / Wake Up Time Example: 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Method 2: Respond After
This method involves slowly adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake up time after Daylight Saving Time ends.
If you choose to do this method, your child who usually wakes up at 6:00 AM will most likely be up and ready to start the day on November 7th at 5:00 AM. He/she will also begin feeling drowsy around 7:00 PM (previously their original bedtime of 8:00). The table below shows an example of a bedtime/wake up schedule to get your child back on the right track beginning Sunday, November 7th.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s sleep schedule or how to further help regulate during this time,
please feel free to call us at 865-322-9252.
