Ah, the fresh air of Autumn is upon us, and with it, the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). November 2, 2025 marks that biannual exercise in clock‑jiggling that, in the Fall, means one extra hour of sleep! This extra hour is welcomed by most teenagers and adults. But, if you are a parent of an infant, toddler, or preschooler,
you may not feel the benefits. Even a one‑hour shift can disrupt their circadian rhythm, throwing off bedtime, appetite, mood, and focus.
It’s possible your kiddo could sleep an extra hour and you could enjoy a late morning on November 3rd. However, experts note that the slightest changes in schedule can instead cause greater irritability, trouble sleeping, and even impacts on cognitive functioning as kids struggle to reset their internal clocks.
As we anticipate the effects this little, one-hour shift can have on our little ones, let’s explore why consistent daytime schedules and regular bedtime routines make for happier, healthier kids, and parents!
Pro Tips: How to Promote Great Sleep Patterns
1. Ease Them In Gradually
One of the best tricks to help ease the Daylight Savings Time (DST) process is to start shifting everything—bedtime, wake‑up, meals—by 10–15 minutes per day for several days before the clock change. The DST shift can often feel like a quick change of time zones- like the kind you experience when you take a quick flight somewhere far away. This “slow road trip across time zones” strategy is a gentler, more successful approach than abrupt shifts.
2. Hold Fast to Routines
Regular daytime routines help with nighttime sleepiness. The predictable schedule we offer at Wishing Well can help your child make the time change transition more smoothly. You can leverage the consistency at home with simple rituals like bath, brush, story, cuddle. These, and other bedtime routines, become powerful signals to a child’s brain that says “It’s time to wind down.”
3. Light Control Is Key
An evening flush of dim lighting supports melatonin production. Conversely, hearty exposure to morning sunlight helps reset sleep timing. Simple steps like blackout curtains at night and open curtains, and getting outside in the morning. can work wonders towards establishing a healthy circadian rhythm.
4.Daytime Activity Matters
Physical activity, like outdoor play, indoor playgrounds, walking and dancing, help to reinforce natural sleepiness come evening. Your child will have many opportunities to work out the wiggles at Wishing Well, hopefully contributing to a better night’s sleep.
5. Screen-Free Wind‑Down
All screens—TVs, tablets, phones—emit blue light that suppresses melatonin and delays sleepytime. Shut them off at least 30–60 minutes before bed to keep routines smooth and sleep-ready.
6. Optimize Sleep Spaces
Ensure bedrooms or nap spaces are cool (around 18–21 °C / 60–70 °F), dark, and quiet—with perhaps a soft comfort object or white noise machine to soothe. These environmental cues also help reinforce routines.
7. Monitor and Adapt with Patience
Most children normalize within a week, but some need a bit longer. At Wishing Well, we know what signs to watch for like irritability, early wakes, or nap resistance. Let us know if your child is struggling, and we will be sure to give him or her some extra patience and TLC.
Final Thoughts for Sweet Dreams
Transitioning through the DST time warp doesn’t have to be a battle. With intentional planning, gradual changes, and strong routines—and a little reinforcement from Wishing Well—you can help your little one move through the shift with minimal tears and maximum zzz’s.