Important considerations for children's health with the opening of schools

With the reopening of schools, sleep, eye health, water consumption, and toilet habits stand out during the process of children returning to a regular daily routine.

Re-establishing the sleep routine

The sleep schedule shifting to late hours during the holiday and increased screen time are among the issues that challenge children and families the most during the school term. Experts recommend managing this process gradually.

Biological clock and screen usage

Clinical Psychologist Ayşe Topak states that the biological clock can naturally shift forward during adolescence and emphasizes that not every child who has difficulty waking up in the morning should be accused of laziness. Reducing screen time in the evening hours supports the process.

Gradual sleep schedules

Instead of making sudden changes right before school starts, it is recommended to gradually pull sleep and wake-up times earlier. Shifting bedtime and wake-up times 15 to 30 minutes earlier every few days makes adjustment easier.

Eye health and the outdoors

Ophthalmology Specialist Dr. Melike Gezer states that spending recess outdoors is of great importance in terms of eye health and reducing the risk of myopia. Getting 1.5 to 2 hours of natural daylight per day reduces the frequency of myopia.

Toilet habits and postponement

Pediatric Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Coşkun Çeltik points out that children postponing their need to use the toilet at school can lead to constipation, fecal incontinence, and urinary tract infections. Running to the toilet as soon as they come home from school can be an indicator of this situation.

The importance of water consumption

Experts draw attention to the fact that the habit of not drinking enough water during the school term can also trigger constipation. Ensuring adequate water consumption throughout the day is of great importance for children's general health.