Help! My Preschoolers Won't Nap!!! Sleep Tips for Your School

Many times as spring is springing, there is a challenging new development in preschool classrooms.

All of the kids no longer want to nap.

We could call it spring fever, but if I’m being honest it can really happen any time of the year so that’s not fair. In reality, it’s generally more related to kids outgrowing the midday energy boost that they’ve generally needed rather than a connection to the weather, but either way, it can present quite the challenge in your classroom.

Now, generally speaking if kids don’t need the nap, and they’ve masters some self-entertaining on the cot, you may not need to do much. But if they are at all disruptive or actually still need the nap, but don’t want to sleep, that is where the problem comes in.

Sleep hygiene is a term we use in the mental health world which describes the habits we use to have quality sleep. Many of us have terrible sleep hygiene and as such we’ve got a bunch of little kids who also struggle with this. Poor sleep hygiene can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep and both of those can be a problem. Since most kids generally still need around 10-13 that they may not be getting at home, here are a few ways you can help the nap time go a little smoother.

Prep for sleep with a good prenap routine. In theory kids have some gross motor time, lunch and then a nap. The hope being that they are full and worn out so they’ll head right off to their nap. But some kids need a little more prep. A simple set of yoga stretches can begin to settle the nervous system and actually signal some relaxing neurochemicals that can create calm. I like Yoga Nidra for myself, but if you don’t have a full 20 minutes something like this quick flow might do the trick.

Try a weighted blanket. Kids who are restless, especially of those with a history of sensory needs or anxiety can benefit from the right weighted blanket. Choosing the size that is best for their age can help keep them get into a state of relaxation which preps them for sleep.

Check the temperature of the room. Most of us sleep better somewhere in the range of about 68-70 degrees. Between warm clothes and blankets, a kiddo could easily feel much warmer than that in your room. Check the thermostat and pay attention to where vents point if kids are struggling in a certain part of the room.

Try a quiet activity. A small sensory bin or even a pen and paper can be enough to keep a little one entertained, but not overstimulated. Have one or two things handy as kids may grow out of sleeping during nap time.

What are your favorite nap time suggestions? Share in the comments.