Time To Sleep

by John Riggio

Sleep is important! This simple tune was written to remind students coming off the summer months to get back into the groove of going to bed earlier once school begins. It could also be used in a primary setting for nap time, with some lyric changes. And speaking of lyric changes, we've got you covered! In addition to the words sung on our recording, here are two more sets of lyrics you could use:

It's time to go to sleep,
though we've had lots of fun.
Summer's gone, fall is here.

School means I need to rest
so I can do my best.

Time to wind down, time to sleep, oh sleep.
Time to wind down, time to sleep.

(solo spoken): Sweet dreams!

Or if you'd prefer a more humorous approach while maintaining the same message, try this version:

It's time to go to sleep.
It's time to hit the hay.
Catch some Z's, count some sheep.

I need my forty winks
or else my brain can't thinks.

Time to zone out, (konk out, hit snooze, shut down)
time to sleep, oh sleep, etc.

In this version, instead of saying, "Sweet dreams," a kid could do a solo snore, complete with a classic Three Stooges' whistle.

Whichever version you use, impress upon your students the need to get enough sleep during the school year. The National Sleep Foundation recommends children from ages 6-13 get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night. Teens from ages 14-17 should get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night. Now, go get some shut-eye!

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.