Back to Sleep: Adjusting to New Routines This School Year

Back-to-school season is here—and with it comes new routines, earlier mornings, after-school activities, and the hustle and bustle of fall. While schedules may shift, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is healthy sleep. Both kids and adults need quality rest to stay focused, energized, and healthy.
Here are a few tips to help your household get “back to sleep” as you head into a busy school year:
1. Start with a Consistent Bedtime
Just like kids thrive on routines, adults do too. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends—helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Aim to set a bedtime that allows for 7–9 hours of sleep for adults and the recommended 8–10 hours for school-age children and teens.
2. Create a Wind-Down Routine
Busy schedules can make it tough to relax at night. Try a consistent pre-sleep routine, like reading a book, taking a warm shower, or practicing relaxation exercises. Encourage kids to step away from screens at least an hour before bed so their brains have time to wind down.

3. Prioritize the Sleep Environment
A cool, dark, and quiet bedroom makes a big difference. Small changes—like blackout curtains, white noise, or adjusting room temperature—can help the whole family fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
4. Keep Sleep a Priority During Busy Weeks
It’s tempting to let sleep slide when calendars get full of sports, meetings, and activities. But protecting sleep time is just as important as homework, practices, and family meals. Think of it as a non-negotiable part of your schedule.

5. Watch for Signs of Sleep Disorders
If you or your child snore loudly, struggle with daytime fatigue despite a full night’s rest, or have ongoing difficulty falling or staying asleep, it may be more than just a busy schedule. A sleep study can uncover underlying issues like sleep apnea that might be interfering with rest.
You can take our free sleep assessment - Simply answer 6 questions to inventory sleep health, specifically to sleep apnea. We'll send over results and share sleep health resources. Click HERE!
We are here to help!
At Restorative Sleep Solutions, we offer both in-lab and home sleep studies to help diagnose sleep disorders, along with a full supply center for BiPAP and CPAP replacement parts and supplies. This school year, let’s make sure sleep stays at the top of your priority list—for you and your family.
💤 Here’s to a healthier, more energized school year—because it all starts with getting back to sleep.

Meet your local sleep solutions team! We would love to assist you and help YOU and your loved ones get on the path to restorative, life-changing sleep today.
Find us at:
2100 19th Ave SW, Willmar, MN
Call us:
320-441-2104