As a parent, you've heard all the excuses your preschooler can come up with NOT to go to bed—I need a glass of water. I want to give you another goodnight kiss. I heard a strange noise.

Looking for a bedtime with fewer hassles? Here are some tips from Deborah Lin-Dyken, MD, director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at University of Iowa Children's Hospital in the Center for Disabilities and Development:

Set a specific bedtime and enforce it. Children respond to structure and need a set bedtime.

Help your child establish sleep rituals. Maybe it's a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music together. Whatever it is, it should tell your child that it's bedtime. Having a special blanket or stuffed animal in bed may be part of that routine.

Do not allow soda or sugars close to bedtime. Caffeine can interfere with sleep and sugars can give your young ones an unwanted burst of energy at bedtime and contribute to tooth decay.

Make sure their room is dark and cool. Each child has a different comfort level. The goal is to create a low-stimulation environment that promotes sleep.