from Purdue University
School may be out with greater free time, but that freedom, coupled with longer days, makes it difficult to maintain regular sleep schedules. Purdue University experts say keeping children on a regular sleep schedule is crucial. For one reason, summer is a time when many children gain weight. Sleeping less, eating unhealthy foods and increased screen time are seen as contributing factors. Blake Jones, assistant professor of human development and family studies, recommends age appropriate sleep schedules. For ages six through thirteen, nine to eleven hours of sleep each night. Fourteen to seventeen year olds should get eight to ten hours sleep. Jones says sleep may be one of the more controllable behaviors to keep consistent during the summer months.