Scottsdale, Arizona - Children need to get plenty of sleep in order to perform well in school. After a summer of staying up late and then sleeping in, many kids are out of their school year bedtime routines.  Mayo Clinic Children's Center pediatric neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Suresh Kotagal says in order for most school-age children to be at their best, they need to get from 8 1/2 to 9 hours of sleep every night. He also says, "Children should work back into a school year sleep schedule gradually, starting a week or two before the first bell rings."

Dr. Kotagal has tips on how to help children and teens get the sleep they need for a productive school year.

• Wake children up 30 minutes earlier every few days as school approaches
• Turn off electronics 30 minutes to an hour before bed
• Temporarily avoid or shorten naps to help children be sleepy at night
• Make sure the bed is used for sleep only