School will be here before we know it. It’s the perfect time to take a look at the importance of our bedtime routines.

First of all, it’s worth the struggle. Bedtime is a daily opportunity to build and nurture your relationship with your child. There’s something about a quiet darkened room that invites conversation. This is a time to take stock, to snuggle, to talk about some of the important things that your child is thinking about. When children know that bedtime is a time when you give a few minutes of undivided attention, they often save up their most sensitive questions for sharing. Yes, sometimes they’ll use it to hang onto you when you really want to get to your own projects or the newspaper. Calmly set some limits and carry on.

Beyond wanting a peaceful evening, we should be aware that sleep is crucial to our well-being.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that adults ages 18 to 60 sleep at least seven hours a night for optimal health, and the National Sleep Foundation says adults up to age 64 should sleep seven to nine hours nightly.

For children, not getting enough sleep can be particularly problematic. Their bodies and minds are still growing and maturing and sleep is a crucial part of healthy development. Studies have shown that getting enough sleep improves kids’ attention; behavior; emotional, mental and physical health; as well as their ability to learn and remember. When kids don’t get enough sleep, their bodies aren’t able to fight off infections as well (a big problem for school-age kids, who are constantly exposed to contagious illnesses such as colds in the classroom). Lack of sleep in kids has also been linked to obesity and mood swings and can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.

So as you “spring ahead” this month, make sure to get enough zzzzz’s.