• Posted August 17, 2025

Prioritize Sleep As the School Year Begins

As the new school year begins, experts say one simple habit can help kids succeed: Getting enough sleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reminds families, teachers and communities about the importance of quality sleep for students of all ages.

“Resetting healthy sleep habits early can help students start the year focused, well-rested and ready to succeed," Dr. Shalini Paruthi, a pediatric sleep medicine physician and AASM spokesperson, said in a news release.

“As the new school year approaches, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that families revisit bedtime routines and shift away from lingering summer habits, like late nights with friends or scrolling social media before bed,” she said.

A new AASM survey found that 85% of parents say their school-aged children follow a regular bedtime routine. But when kids don’t get enough rest, parents notice changes:

• 63% say their child’s mood suffers.

• 50% see behavior problems.

• 49% notice a poor attitude.

• 45% see less physical energy.

• 34% report a drop in academic performance.

“Sleep plays a critical role in helping kids manage their mood and mental health,” Paruthi said.

“If your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, assessing their sleep habits is a key first step," she said. "Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician, who can help identify solutions and provide support.”

AASM recommends:

• Children ages 6 to 12 get  nine to 12 hours of sleep each night.

• Teens ages 13 to 18 get eight to 10 hours each night.

The survey also found that nearly one-quarter of parents (24%) have given melatonin to a child under 18 to help them sleep. 

The AASM warns that use of the supplement in children has raised safety issues, including more overdoses, calls to poison control centers and ER visits.

In 2022, the group issued a health advisory urging parents to talk with a pediatrician before giving melatonin to kids.

The online survey, conducted June 5-13, included 2,007 adults across the U.S. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

More information

The Sleep Foundation has more on children and sleep.

SOURCE: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, news release, Aug. 12, 2025