Have you ever noticed that kids bring up their biggest worries right before bed? That’s because the brain processes emotions before sleep—and if those emotions are unsettled, sleep quality suffers.

A 5-minute bedtime check-in can be life-changing for sleep, helping your child release stress, process emotions, and feel secure before drifting off.

Why It Matters

Unspoken worries = restless nights.

Stress hormones (like cortisol) stay elevated, preventing deep sleep.

Night-time anxiety delays melatonin, making sleep harder.

A bedtime check-in reassures kids and teens, creating a sense of emotional safety.

What You Need to Know

Try these simple bedtime prompts:

✔ “What was your favourite part of today?”

✔ “Did anything make you feel worried or stressed?”

✔ “What’s one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow?”

For teens, frame it as “unloading their mind” before sleep, so they can wake up with mental clarity.

How to Implement Change

Tonight’s Action Step: Try a 5-minute bedtime check-in tonight.

Bonus Tip: Keep it casual. Lying in bed, dimming the lights, and just listening creates a safe space for your child to unwind.

📌 Next email: Managing screen time before bedtime

Wishing you and your child the best of health and happiness,

The COGNITION for Smart Kids & Teens Team