Should children have the same bedtime every night?

Children generally benefit from going to bed and waking up at approximately the same times each day. Consistency helps regulate the body's internal clock, making it easier to feel sleepy at bedtime and alert in the morning. The schedule does not need to be exact to the minute, but large differences between school nights and weekends can make Monday mornings harder. Try to keep bedtime and wake-up time within about an hour of the usual schedule. Special occasions and family events can occasionally run later without ruining healthy sleep habits. The overall pattern matters most. A consistent sequence of activities, such as brushing teeth, reading and turning off the lights, also gives the child clear signals that sleep is approaching.