249. Preschool Sleep Schedule: How to Get Ready for Back to School

If your preschooler is heading to school for the first time, or getting ready for another school year, there's one thing Allison hopes you'll add to your back-to-school checklist: sleep. Parents often focus on backpacks, school supplies, and lunchboxes, but a well-rested child is more likely to adjust smoothly to new routines, regulate emotions, retain what they're learning, and enjoy the preschool experience. In this episode, Allison shares practical strategies to help parents prepare their preschooler for a successful school year. She explains how much sleep preschoolers really need, when to begin shifting bedtime before school starts, why an earlier bedtime can make all the difference, and how sleep impacts learning, behavior, and separation anxiety. She also discusses naps at preschool, what to expect during those first exhausting weeks of school, and why a "rescue bedtime" can help children adjust to the increased demands of the school day. Whether your child is starting preschool for the first time or returning after summer break, this episode will help you build a sleep routine that supports a happier, more confident start to the school year. ## In this episode, Allison discusses: - How much sleep preschoolers really need - Why sleep is one of the best ways to prepare for preschool - How to shift bedtime before school starts - Signs your preschooler may need an earlier bedtime - How sleep supports learning, memory, and emotional regulation - The connection between sleep and separation anxiety - Why the first weeks of preschool are often exhausting - How and when to use a rescue bedtime - What parents should know about preschool naps - Tips for children attending half-day preschool programs Resources mentioned: Episode 104. What Your Child's Preschool Teacher Wishes You Knew with Elizabeth Lane  Episode 236. The Rescue Bedtime: What It Is and How to Use It for Overtired Babies and Toddlers Episode 81. How Much Sleep Does a Toddler or Preschooler Need?     Shopping at Cozy Earth? Use Allison's code SLEEPCOACH for 20% off and be sure to tell them that we sent you!   Chapter Markers: 00:00 Summer recap and why back-to-school sleep matters 02:40 Why sleep should be part of your preschool checklist 04:20 How much sleep does a preschooler need? 07:00 When to start shifting your child's sleep schedule 09:40 How sleep affects learning and behavior at preschool 13:00 Sleep and separation anxiety at school drop-off 14:30 Why the first weeks of preschool are so exhausting 16:15 Using a rescue bedtime after school 17:00 Preschool naps: What parents should expect 20:00 Half-day preschool schedules and nap timing 21:30 Final tips for a smooth back-to-school transition   Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube   Looking for expert guidance on your child's sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—*How Long 'Til Bedtime?* is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying *How Long 'Til Bedtime?* Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. - On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." - On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube