TresSugar

Signs You Need to Change Your Bedtime

Leta Shy — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:04:03 PDT

Even when you know you should be going to bed sooner, life gets in the way. Whether it's a busy schedule that doesn't leave you with enough hours in the day or the need to relax in front of the TV before you grab some shut-eye, you may not be able to force yourself to get to bed when the yawning starts.

If you're tired of paying the consequences of a late bedtime the next day, here are some reasons to remind yourself why it may be time for you to call it a night earlier.

You rely on your snooze button. Your internal clock may not be set for 6 a.m. jogs, but if you find yourself having too much trouble getting out of bed - hitting the snooze button over and over, for example - try getting to sleep earlier. After all, snoozing won't help you feel refreshed since fragmented sleep doesn't make up for sleep deficits.

You need a nap during the day. We can't always just curl up in a ball when we want to, but if you're constantly fighting the urge to snooze come afternoon, you're probably not getting enough sleep - or at least not enough sleep that counts.

Read on for more signs you're going to sleep too late.

Planning a Back-to-School Bedtime Routine

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 05:10:37 PDT

The Summer is winding down, and while you may have been lax about a bedtime routine during vacation and Summer camp, it's important to reestablish a strict bedtime routine to help your kids develop a stable internal clock. Most kids need between 10-12 hours of sleep. Set a strict bedtime for your kids, and save enough time beforehand to help them wind down. Share with us what helps you get your kids to bed. Read more for our mock-up bedtime schedule.

How Strict Are You With Bedtime?

LilSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:52 PDT

Good night, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite! If only getting lil ones down to dreamland was that easy! Children have a way of pushing their bedtime to the limits by thirsting for another drink, saying they need the bathroom and sweetly asking us to read "just one more book."

New research shows that providing tots with strict bedtimes can improve the quality and quantity of the shut-eye they receive and their overall health. According to the study, families with lower levels of income and education were less likely to enforce a strict end of the day (this was attributed to stress levels and fewer routines), and their children's health and sleep patterns suffered. The authors of the study also emphasized the importance of a nightly bedtime routine to help the tots fall asleep faster. Most parents dream their children would nod off to sleep without putting up a fight, but that rarely happens. How do you enforce bedtime in your home?

Got a few pointers you've picked up along the way for getting your tot into bed at an early time? Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tips!

Lil Tip: Sing Your Children to Sleep

LilSugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:00:00 PDT

When it comes to my singing, I've got a couple of fans. My son and daughter don't mind that my vocals are off tune, in fact, my tunes help them sleep. If your tot has trouble transitioning from bathtub to bedtime, try breaking out in song. Turn this into a fun activity by having them help you with the lyrics. Once you perfect the tune specific to the child, sing or hum it to soothe them.
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Foul-Mouthed Chihuahua Ain't Having Bedtime

GiggleSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Little Elvis here is happy just where he is, all curled up with his fave blankie. But when his doting owner marches into the room to announce that it's time to get up and go to bed, this hound dog's mood takes a turn for the nasty. Oh. No. She. Di'int . . .

Little Girl Questions the Fairytale Ending

GiggleSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:00 PDT

Drop Dead Fred, a wickedly immature comedy about maintaining imaginary friends into adulthood and blaming "them" for one's obscene behavior, was one of my fave movies in the early '90s - naturally. The irreverent tyke in the following scene portrays the protagonist as a young girl. Her response to her mother's lame-ass bedtime story is quite possibly the best advice any growing girl (or grown woman) could ever hear. Listen. Very. Carefully.

Dad Wigs Out Getting Baby to Bed

GiggleSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:00:00 PST

Nursery rhymes? Nah. Hugs and kisses? Whatevs. It's his crib and he'll cry if he wants to. This baby's not ready for bed- unless dear old Dad dresses in drag. No joke.

Pet Present Extravaganza: Puppy's Bedtime Basket

PetSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:00:46 PST

I'm a sucker for a theme. I'll theme my happy hours, my outfits, and, especially, my gifts. I love thinking of unique presents that are catered to each friend and family member... and nothing is more creative than planning (and presenting) themed bundles.

For our first Pet Present Extravaganza basket, my theme is sleepytime puppy! Serving as our "basket" in this case is a too cute bassinet – the inside is perfect for stocking with new puppy gear, and the handles make carrying it in super easy! Want to see what I would put inside,

Time To Take This Bedtime Show On The Road!

GiggleSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:00:00 PDT

When Pachelbel composed his "Canon in D," I'm sure it was without these lyrics in mind. Watch this dad sit down and play the tune while crooning about his day-to-day toils and parenting trials. Lullabies are typically soft and soothing, but hearing dad whine about his life wouldn't exactly put me on the train to sweet dream-ville. It's still very charming though.

Valentine's Day Reading: 10 Love-Themed Books For Kids

LilSugar — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:23:59 PST

Carry the Valentine's Day celebration into the bedtime routine by reading your kids a book about love. From classic stories of giving to the latest in love-themed kids literature, these 10 heartwarming reads are sure to spread the love on Feb. 14.