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One of the most important factors in your child’s academic success (and just about everything else) is a good night’s sleep. As an adult, we can all attest to this fact. Did you know it’s recommended that your school age kids get 9-12 hours of sleep a night? Here are 5 simple ways to assist you in the process.

1. Ryan Judd, a Board Certified Music Therapist, has a great collection of soothing music to help get your kids to sleep. My favorite? His Sleep Soundly CD that comes with a guided relaxation track at the beginning.
2. Vroomaloom Zoom. This is a fantastic book about a father who takes his daughter on a car ride all over the world in hopes that it will help her fall asleep. I like to pair it with Cradle Song- A Japanese Lullaby.
3. Essential oils. Have you joined the craze? I was skeptical until I tried using doTERRA’s lavender oil in a diffuser. My other go-to is “Balance”, a blend of spruce needle and leaf, ho wood, frankincense resin, blue tansy flower, and blue chamomile flower (a mouthful I know!). I typically put a drop of the oil into a small amount (1 tsp) of coconut oil and it rub it on wrists or soles of the feet so it’s not too overpowering.
4. Epsom salt bath. The magnesium helps calm your body’s system. There are also magnesium creams for those who hate bathing before bed.
5. Weighted Blanket. When gentle pressure is applied to your child’s body, it encourages the production of serotonin, which naturally converts to melatonin. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there are also DIY versions! Friendship Circle has a great post with 13 different stores you can purchase them from.

Sweet dreams! -Lyndie-