For millions of kids, the whole idea of going to school is a lot different than it used to be. Their “classrooms” are now their bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens. That’s because many schools across the U.S. have switched to distance learning to try to prevent the spread of Covid-19. With new routines in place, many students now have later bedtimes.
Some health experts say it’s OK to go to bed a bit later, as long as you make up the time by sleeping later in the morning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that fifth- and sixth-graders get from 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Some experts add that kids should return to their usual bedtime a few days before they go back to their regular in-school routine.
But other people argue that kids should stick to the same sleep routine even if their school routine changes. They say it helps keep students’ days more structured. Also, experts have found that elementary school students who stay up later than 9 p.m. tend not to get enough rest. That can make kids moody and less focused.