Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Lifestyle

Expert explains how to avoid summer clock disruption to your kid's sleep patterns

77 per cent of parents are concerned with the effect daylight saving will have on their child’s sleeping pattern

Expert explains how to avoid summer clock disruption to your kid's sleep patterns(Image: Getty Images )

The clocks are due to go forward this weekend, and while many people will be looking forward to the mental and physical benefits of brighter evenings, some parents are dreading the effects on their kid's bedtime.

In the winter, children generally tire easily with darker afternoons and evenings naturally indicating bedtime is approaching.

However, as the summer months arrive and darkness doesn't fall until between 9pm and 10pm (at the height of summer), kids can become restless and can fall out of their bedtime routine.

READ MORE: Expert says changing one appliance could save people €400 on their electricity bill

A recent online survey in America indicated that 77 per cent of parents are concerned with the effect daylight saving will have on their child’s sleeping pattern and a whopping 59 per cent of parents dread the potential disruption to their baby’s schedule.

Lucy Wolfe, a Sleep Consultant, Co-creational Relationship Mentor, Post-Graduate Researcher (Ph.D.), Author of The Baby Sleep Solution and All About the Baby Sleep Solution, creator of 'Sleep Through', a natural bed and body sleep spray and relaxing rub, and a mum of four gave The Irish Mirror some top tips for keeping your child in a rhythm.

77% of parents are concerned with the effect daylight saving will have on their child’s sleeping pattern

The clocks go forward on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 1am and Lucy Wolfe says:

  • Do your best to prepare your child for this transition by ensuring they are well-rested in the run-up to DST. Pay specific attention to daytime sleep and fill this need as much as possible

  • Make sure that you have blackout blinds and a sleep-friendly environment to help with going to sleep and to avoid unnecessary early rising although this is often a chance for routine early risers to improve their waketime

Option 1: Gradual Adjustment Approach

Ms. Wolfe explained: "Consider moving your child’s schedule earlier by 15 minutes every day from this Wednesday 22 March. Adjust meals and nap times and of course their morning wake-time accordingly so that by Sunday you will already be on the new time on the clock.