The new school year is well under way, and it always feels a bit like January, doesn’t it? The start of a new school year brings fresh routines, busy mornings, and a sense of “reset” for the whole family.
Over the summer, it’s completely normal for sleep to take a bit of a dip. Bedtimes get later, mornings are slower, and our days are less structured. Don’t beat yourself up about it, even as a sleep coach, my own children’s sleep changes over the summer. And that’s absolutely fine.
But as the school run is in full force, you might be wondering: How on earth do we get everyone, including me, back into a regular sleep routine without the chaos?
Start With Mornings
Whether you prefer a slow and steady approach or a quick “rip the plaster off” reset, the key is to start with mornings.
I like to begin the weekend before school starts. We get up earlier in the morning (yes, even on Saturday and Sunday!) so our body clocks can naturally shift back. That way, everyone is more likely to feel sleepy earlier at night, without relying on nagging.
If you do this over a weekend, the inevitable tiredness hits on days when there’s no school or work pressure, making the adjustment much easier.
Prep Like a Pro
The new term means being out of the house at set times again. Reduce the morning stress by:
- Setting reminders on your phone for key “get ready” moments.
- Doing a quick to-do list in the evening.
- Laying out uniforms, packing bags, and prepping lunches the night before.
Small tweaks like these make mornings calmer, and help you start the day on the right foot.
Fresh Start, Fresh Bedding
Nothing beats climbing into a bed with freshly laundered bedding. Going back to school is the perfect excuse for a reset in your bedrooms.
I’m a huge fan of the Night Lark Coverless Duvet, both of my children have them. They can get tangled up in regular duvets and covers, but with these, the whole thing goes straight into the washing machine, dries quickly, and is ready to go. No wrestling with duvet covers (a win for parents everywhere!).
Revisit Your Pre-Bed Routines
Think about the relaxing activities you and your children enjoy before bed. How much of that have you done over the summer? The darker evenings work in our favour, as darkness naturally signals to our bodies that it’s time for sleep.
Dim the lights an hour before bed, create a cosy atmosphere, and choose calming activities, reading, drawing, or chatting ones that help everyone wind down. The important thing is to find what you and your children genuinely find relaxing.
Bottom line? Going back to school is a chance for a reset for everyone not just the kids, but for us parents too. With a few simple tweaks to your mornings, a bit of evening prep, and a sleep space you can’t wait to get into, you can make the back-to-school transition calmer, cosier, and much less tiring.
For me, going back to school feels more like New Year than January ever does. Fresh starts, new rhythms, and a chance to get back on track.
