As we continue to navigate the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), routines and structure carefully built to support our children, families and teachers have been stripped away. Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies and tactics that can be effectively and quickly applied at home to regain a sense of normalcy.
In the next installment of our Wellness Education Series, UCF RESTORES Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, welcomes two special guests – Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta Clinic Director Josh S. Spitalnick, Ph.D., ABPP, and Director of the Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Candice Alfano, Ph.D. – to break down the ways in which we can effectively communicate with children (of all ages and backgrounds) about this pandemic and how to build an environment conducive to calm and routine whilst quarantined.
There’s a big difference between “getting sleep” and getting truly restorative rest. Click for a list of do’s and don’ts – based on the practices and habits that make up what we call “sleep hygiene” – that will help you make the most of your nighttime rest and, as a result, function better – with reduced stress and anxiety – on a daily basis. Plus, we’ve included a printable sleep log to help you track your sleep hygiene progress. For more information, be sure to check out our video – co-hosted by Dr. Deborah Beidel and UCF RESTORES Mental Health Clinician Chloe Findley – on the importance of a healthy sleep routine.