As schools in the UAE resume after summer break, many children face more challenges than just heavy backpacks and early morning buses. They are also dealing with sleep deprivation, according to doctors who spoke to Khaleej Times.
Experts point out that late nights during vacations, excessive screen time, and irregular routines are leaving children tired and unfocused as they return to school.
During the holidays, many children developed habits of staying up late and waking up late. Returning to early school schedules has disrupted their circadian rhythm—a biological process that regulates the body’s internal clock.
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“When kids abruptly switch from sleeping late to waking up early, they find it hard to adjust,” explained Dr. Abed Homsi, a consultant pediatrician at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Reem Island. “This impacts their energy and concentration during school mornings.”
The most frequent issue parents report is that their children struggle to fall asleep early. “They are accustomed to screens, late meals, or being active close to bedtime, which makes it hard for them to wind down,” Dr. Homsi added.
Fatigue in Classrooms
Doctors caution that children lacking sleep are not only irritable in the morning but also have trouble staying focused in class.
Dr. Babitha S, a consultant pediatrician at LLH Medical Centre, Shabia, noted that sleep-deprived children have difficulty concentrating, experience daytime fatigue, and may even perform poorly in school.
Dr. Babitha S. Photo courtesy of LLH Medical Centre.
“Lack of adequate sleep can also weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections,” Dr. Babitha mentioned.
She emphasized that irregular routines and the added pressure of juggling homework with extracurricular activities further worsen sleep deprivation. “Parents often report that their children struggle to manage everything once school starts, especially if they haven’t reset their sleep schedule.”
According to doctors, children aged 6–13 need about 9–11 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers require 8–10 hours. However, many students get significantly less.
Dr. Homsi advised parents to begin adjusting bedtimes at least two weeks before school starts. “Shift bedtime earlier by 30–60 minutes every few days until the child establishes a proper routine. This gradual change makes the transition smoother.”
Doctors also associate poor sleep with weaker immunity. “Disrupted sleep lowers a child’s defenses, making them more prone to viral infections and seasonal flu,” Dr. Homsi stated.
Dr. Abed Homsi. Photo courtesy of Burjeel Day Surgery Centre.
Doctors recommend the flu vaccine for all school-going children. “Every year, we see a rise in flu cases as schools reopen,” said Dr. Babitha. “The flu shot is the best way to reduce risk and prevent long absences from school.”
Tips for Parents
Healthcare professionals suggest creating a consistent bedtime routine to help children relax:
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No screens at least one hour before bed.
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Encourage calming activities such as a warm bath, brushing teeth, or reading a bedtime story.
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Ensure bedrooms are dark, cool, and quiet.
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Avoid sugary foods, caffeine, and heavy meals in the evenings.
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Promote outdoor play during the day so children feel naturally tired at night.
“Consistency is key. Bedtime routines that begin 30–60 minutes before sleep help signal to the child’s body that it’s time to rest,” Dr. Babitha emphasized.
In addition to poor sleep, doctors are seeing an increase in digital eye strain among children. Extended holiday hours on tablets, mobiles, and video games have led to more complaints of tired eyes and headaches.
“Yes, there has been a rise in digital eye strain and vision-related issues, particularly after long holidays when screen usage tends to increase,” said Dr. Babitha. “Screen time should be limited, and children should have regular vision checkups.”
Dr. Homsi added that for very young children, especially those under two, screen time should be avoided entirely.
Resetting—A Challenge
For parents, the struggle is real. Many admit it is challenging to reset their children’s schedules after weeks of late-night gaming, social media, and movie marathons. “During holidays, my son slept past midnight almost every day. Now, waking him at 6am is a nightmare,” said Faisal Ahmed, a father of two from Sharjah.
“My children used to sleep around 12pm every night during the holidays. And now putting them to sleep early has become troublesome. Their regular school night routine was around 9:30pm, and it’s a bit difficult to bring them back to that routine,” Ahmed added.
Doctors advise that parents should be firm yet gentle. “Bedtime should not feel like punishment; it should be part of a comforting routine,” Dr. Babitha suggested.
