Better Sleep, Better School Days: Psychological Insight & Strategies with Dr. Christine Hansen Cohen Psy.D. LOP

In this informative session of the Brightmont Academy Speaker Series, we are joined by Dr. Christina Hansen Cohen, Psy.D., L.P., Founder and Owner of Edina Psychology, for a practical and insightful conversation on why quality sleep is essential to a child's health, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Hansen Cohen brings deep clinical expertise to this discussion, with experience across hospital, legal, and private practice settings and advanced training in pediatric psychology, assessment, anxiety, and trauma. She offers parents and guardians clear, evidence-based strategies they can put into practice right away to help children and teens get the rest they need.

In this session, Dr. Hansen Cohen discusses:

• How much sleep children and teens actually need at each stage of development
• The impact of screens and blue light on sleep quality
• How to build a consistent bedtime routine and an effective wind-down period
• Common disruptors to avoid, including late caffeine, sugar, and over-scheduling
• Practical adjustments such as cool, dark bedrooms, device-free nights, and reading before bed
• Why melatonin is not a reliable long-term solution
• Tailored approaches for neurodivergent children and individualized sleep needs

This conversation is designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to help their children fall asleep more easily, stay well-rested, and show up ready to learn and thrive.