ST. CLOUD -- With the upcoming school year less then a month away, it's time to start getting your child on a proper sleep schedule.

Many children have trouble learning in the class room the first few weeks because they are not getting enough sleep.

Dr. Troy Payne is the Medical Director of the St. Cloud Hospital Sleep Center. He says many children are getting less then the required hours of sleep.

The average 5 to 12-year-old needs about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. The average teenager needs about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

Payne says getting your child in a routine a few weeks before school will keep them awake in the classroom.

Having a routine when getting up and going to bed will build good sleep habits.

Payne says there are multiple things children should avoid before they go to bed, to allow for a better night sleep.

Reading or having a light snack are a few good ideas children can do before bedtime.

Payne says not allowing your child to sleep in late on the weekends during the school year will also help them in the long run.

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