Children’s Sleep Awareness: Why “Teach Sleep” Matters

Every child deserves a good night’s sleep — yet for many families, restful sleep can feel out of reach. Sleep is not a luxury; it’s essential for children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing and ability to learn.

That’s why Children’s Sleep Awareness Month is so important.

This year’s theme, created in partnership with YouHQ, is “Teach Sleep” — with a special focus on schools and the powerful role they play in shaping lifelong sleep habits. The aim is simple: empower teachers, school leaders, pupils and families with practical tools that make sleep education straightforward, accessible and engaging.


What Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Sleep Better

While schools play a powerful role in sleep education, healthy sleep habits start at home. The good news? Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Here are simple, realistic ways parents can support better sleep:

1️⃣ Keep Bedtime and Wake-Up Times Consistent

Children’s body clocks thrive on routine. Try to:

  • Keep bedtimes and wake times within 30–60 minutes of each other (even on weekends).

  • Avoid big “lie-ins” that disrupt the rhythm for Monday morning.

Consistency helps the brain know when it’s time to wind down.

2️⃣ Create a Calm Wind-Down Routine

A predictable 20–30 minute routine signals that sleep is coming.

This could include:

  • Bath or shower

  • Pyjamas

  • Quiet reading

  • Gentle chat about the day

Keep it calm, repeatable and screen-free.

3️⃣ Reduce Screens Before Bed

Blue light from phones, tablets and TVs can delay the release of melatonin (the sleepy hormone).

Aim for:

  • No screens at least 60 minutes before bed

  • Charging devices outside the bedroom overnight

If that feels too big at first, start small — even 20 minutes earlier helps.

4️⃣ Make the Bedroom Sleep-Friendly

Sleep environments matter.

Check:

  • Is it dark enough? (Blackout blinds can help.)

  • Is it cool and well ventilated?

  • Is the mattress supportive and comfortable?

  • Are distractions like toys or screens kept minimal?

Bedrooms should feel calm and safe.

5️⃣ Watch the Caffeine

Children are often more sensitive to caffeine than adults.

Be mindful of:

  • Cola

  • Energy drinks

  • Chocolate in the evening

Even small amounts can affect sleep quality.

6️⃣ Encourage Daytime Light and Movement

Natural daylight helps regulate the body clock.

Encourage:

  • Outdoor play

  • Walking to school

  • Physical activity earlier in the day

Active days often lead to better nights.

7️⃣ Talk About Worries Earlier

Bedtime is when busy minds get loud.

Try:

  • A “worry time” after dinner

  • Writing worries down in a notebook

  • A quick check-in conversation

When children feel heard, they settle more easily.

8️⃣ Teach That Sleep Is a Superpower

Frame sleep positively.

Instead of:

  • “Go to bed or you’ll be tired.”

Try:

  • “Sleep helps your brain grow.”

  • “Sleep helps you play better tomorrow.”

Link sleep to strength, mood and learning.

9️⃣ Avoid Using Bed as Punishment

Beds should be associated with safety and rest — not consequences.

Protect the bedroom as a calm space.

... Be Patient with Change

Improving sleep can take time.

  • Expect small setbacks.

  • Praise effort, not perfection.

  • Focus on progress, not one “bad night.”

Consistency beats intensity every time.

When to Seek Extra Support

If your child:

  • Snores heavily

  • Regularly struggles to fall asleep for hours

  • Wakes frequently and seems distressed

  • Is extremely sleepy during the day

It may be worth speaking to your GP or a qualified sleep practitioner.

Small Changes Add Up

Just as schools are helping to “Teach Sleep” through Children’s Sleep Awareness Month, parents can reinforce those lessons at home.

When school and home work together, children receive a clear message:

Sleep isn’t a punishment.
It isn’t optional.
It isn’t weakness.

It’s a superpower — and every child deserves to protect it.

Why Sleep Education Belongs in Schools

Recent wellbeing data from YouHQ highlights just how closely sleep is linked to children’s mood at school. Since the platform launched, sleep has been logged over 51,000 times as a key influence on how pupils feel — making it one of the most significant daily wellbeing factors.

Worryingly, when sleep goes wrong, it is the number one contributor to negative mood.

These insights reinforce what we already know:

  • When children sleep better, they cope better

  • When they sleep better, they learn better

  • When they sleep better, they feel better

Schools are uniquely placed to support healthy sleep habits. Good sleep improves:

  • Concentration

  • Emotional regulation

  • Behaviour

  • Attendance

  • Resilience

By taking part in Children’s Sleep Awareness Month, schools can make a lasting difference — not just during February, but throughout the year.

Watch: Discover Your Sleep Superpower

As part of this year’s campaign, a special animation — sponsored by partners Simba Sleep and Dreamspace — takes children on a fun journey to discover a superpower they already have: sleep.

Free Resources for Schools

To make it easy for schools to get involved, a free, comprehensive Supporter’s Pack has been created. It’s packed with ready-to-use resources for both primary and secondary settings, including:

  • Lesson plans

  • Classroom activities

  • Printable posters

  • Social media templates

  • Relaxing soundscapes

  • Guidance for parents and carers

Everything is downloadable and designed to slot into busy school life. The goal is to help educators start meaningful conversations about sleep — and inspire small changes that lead to big impact.

In addition, HushAway has provided free calming soundscapes for teachers and parents. Accessible via a QR code in the pack, these soundscapes are designed to help children regulate, reset and find moments of calm during busy days.