Madison Reporter

Daylight saving time begins this weekend, requiring clocks to be set forward by one hour. This change often leads to a loss of sleep, which can particularly affect children and teenagers. Dr. Casey Freymiller, a pediatrician at UW Health Kids, highlights the importance of sleep for young people, noting its role in learning, emotional management, and response times.

Freymiller acknowledges that "the springtime change is probably harder for most families," advising them to plan ahead as "emotions will be heightened as the routine is changed." He suggests a method called 'bedtime fading,' where bedtime is adjusted in 15-minute increments over several days before the time change. For instance, if a child's regular bedtime is 8 p.m., parents should move it earlier by 15 minutes each day starting Wednesday until Saturday.

Discussing the impact on teenagers, Freymiller points out that they might find adapting to earlier bedtimes challenging due to their busy schedules. A study indicated slower reaction times and attention issues among teens after losing sleep during the March time change. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a decline in high schoolers getting at least eight hours of sleep — from 32% in 2013 to 23% in 2023.

Freymiller emphasizes maintaining consistent routines with regular wake-up times, sunlight exposure, and physical activity for better long-term sleep quality. He finds it concerning that teens are not achieving recommended sleep levels but encourages parents to remind them that adequate rest benefits their academic performance, sports participation, and driving skills.

For those needing additional support during this transition period, Freymiller suggests using small doses of over-the-counter melatonin as a temporary aid. "Parents can give kids very small amounts — 1 to 5 milligrams — about 30 minutes to an hour before bed," he says.