Sleepless with the Kids? Why Half Term Might Be the Best Time to Reclaim Your Rest

For most parents, the phrase “school holidays” conjures up images of playdates, chaos—and very little rest. The half term break often brings a complete shift in household rhythm, with later bedtimes, skipped naps, and an open-door policy to bed-hopping toddlers. But what if this week off could actually be a golden opportunity to reset your family’s sleep habits?

We spoke to Alison Jones, sleep expert at Sealy Posturepedic, who believes half term is the perfect time to take back control of your bedtime—and reclaim the sleep you desperately need.

Rethink the Routine (for Everyone)

Disrupted routines are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to family sleep struggles. During half term, structure often takes a back seat—and the whole household pays for it in lost rest.

“Even a few nights of inconsistency can throw off your child’s sleep cycle—and yours,” says Alison.

Her advice? Introduce a gentle, consistent wind-down routine for children, starting an hour before lights-out. Dim the lights, swap screens for calming activities like colouring or puzzles, and guide them through a predictable bedtime ritual. For little ones, a visual sleep chart (bath, pyjamas, story, bed) can make the process more fun and easier to follow.

And for adults? Try trading the post-bedtime binge-watch for an earlier night. That extra hour of sleep might be more restorative than you think.

Reclaim Your Bedroom Space

Too often, bedrooms become overflow zones—laundry piles, work-from-home setups, and yes, little feet in your bed. But quality sleep relies on having a calm, dedicated space.

Alison recommends focusing on temperature and comfort first. Keep the bedroom cool (around 18°C), opt for breathable bedding, and block out distractions like glowing chargers or hallway lights. If you’ve got early risers, blackout blinds and white noise machines can work wonders to extend those precious morning hours.

And consider sleep-friendly scents: a few drops of lavender spray or a sachet of dried hops tucked into your pillowcase can help trigger a more restful state.

Stop Bed-Hopping Before It Becomes the Norm

It might seem easier to let a restless child crawl into your bed, but broken sleep from rolling limbs and shifting duvets adds up quickly.

“Instead, make their own sleep space more inviting,” Alison suggests. A cosy nightlight, character bedding, or a soothing playlist can help kids feel more settled in their own rooms. The more consistent their independent sleep becomes, the better chance everyone has at an uninterrupted night.

Try the 5AM Milk Trick

If you’ve got a toddler who wakes before the sun, this tip might be your new best friend. Prepare a morning milk bottle or cup the night before and place it just outside their door. Many children will help themselves quietly, buying you an extra half-hour (or more) of rest.

Combine this with outdoor play during the day—fresh air and movement naturally support melatonin production and deeper sleep. And if early rising still happens? Avoid diving straight into emails or chores. Keep a bottle of water nearby and try a few in-bed yoga stretches to gently reset your nervous system.

Upgrade What You’re Sleeping On

Parents often focus on their children’s mattresses but overlook their own. If you’re still waking up sore, groggy, or unrested, your mattress might be part of the problem.

“Your sleep surface plays a huge role in how rested you feel,” says Alison. “A mattress that supports spinal alignment and reduces movement transfer can make a world of difference.”

The Sealy Posturepedic range, featuring AlignSupport® Coil technology, is specifically designed to reduce partner (and child) disturbances while promoting deep, stable sleep. If all else is in place and you’re still not sleeping well—it might be time for an upgrade.

Half Term Should Feel Like a Break

With just a few smart changes—from bedtime tweaks to better sleep environments—parents can reset the rhythm and reclaim real rest. After all, half term isn’t just for the kids. You deserve to wake up feeling refreshed too.