 |
How Long 'Til Bedtime?Author: Allison Egidi Pediatric Sleep Coach
From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep trainingthis is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, How Long 'Til Bedtime? delivers real solutions for everything from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, desperately want your evenings back, or just need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, we've got you covered. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
251. How to Help Your Elementary School Child Sleep Better This School Year
Episode 251
Tuesday, 4 August, 2026
Back-to-school season is here, and while parents are busy shopping for backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies, one of the most important tools for a successful school year often gets overlooked: sleep. In this episode, Allison explains why sleep is one of the biggest predictors of academic success, emotional regulation, physical health, and overall well-being for elementary-aged children. Drawing from more than a decade of experience working with families, and her own experiences raising two daughters, she shares how to tell if your child is simply getting by or truly thriving. You'll learn how much sleep elementary school children really need, why bedtime matters more than many parents realize, how to adjust your child's schedule before school starts, and why missing your child's natural sleep window can actually make bedtime harder. Allison also shares a personal story about how just two later bedtimes each week noticeably affected her daughter's school performance, illustrating just how powerful adequate sleep can be. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or finishing elementary school, this episode will help you create healthy sleep habits that support learning, behavior, and a smoother school year. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between a child who is "getting by" versus truly thriving How much sleep elementary school children actually need Why sleep before learning, after learning, and before a test all matter How sleep impacts learning, memory, behavior, emotional regulation, and anxiety Why sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms The surprising way a small amount of lost sleep affected Allison's daughter's grades How to shift your child's sleep schedule before school begins Why catching your child's natural "sleep wave" makes bedtime easier How to avoid the bedtime second wind Simple evening habits that promote better sleep When to use an earlier "rescue bedtime" during the school year Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome + Why I'm Writing a Maine Family Travel Guide 02:28 Intro: Why Sleep Is an Elementary School Superpower 03:35 Is Your Child Just Getting By…or Truly Thriving? 05:57 How Much Sleep Do Elementary Schoolers Really Need? 08:56 Why Sleep Matters for Learning, Behavior & Anxiety 11:28 The UVA Basketball Experiment: How Two Hours of Lost Sleep Changed My Daughter's Grades 14:22 How to Shift Your Child's Schedule Before School Starts 16:04 Why Earlier Bedtimes Often Work Better (The "Second Wind" Explained) 18:55 Evening Habits That Help Kids Fall Asleep Faster 19:48 Resources: The Well-Rested Student Workshop & Sleep Consultations 20:35 Key Takeaways for a Successful School Year Resources mentioned: Get more help with Allison's on demand workshop, The Well-Rested Student: Helping Your Child Sleep Better This School Year or with a one on one consultation Related episodes: Episode 236. The Rescue Bedtime: What It Is and How to Use It for Overtired Babies and Toddlers Episode 249. Preschool Sleep Schedule: How to Get Ready for Back to School Episode 250. Starting Kindergarten? How Sleep Can Make the Transition Easier Episode 98. 4 Signs Your Kindergartner Could Benefit From More Sleep Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Give your child the gift of better sleep. Allison's free, age-specific guides show you exactly how many hours of rest kids need to grow, learn, and thrive—no matter their age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube
