Does your child have problems falling asleep?

Question

I have a 9 year old boy who lately can't fall asleep fast. He's always wondering what time I am going to bed. He doesn't want to be up alone. I think he's tired but he won't sleep until later on. Any advice?

Answer 1

I have four daughters ages 6-11 and they ALL have that problem. I have found what works the best is a shower or bath before bed and let them read in their beds with a nightlight.

Answer 2

My 11 year old does this too...I think she is just still pumped up from the days activitys and cant fall right to sleep...I did try to sooth her with down time...like reading to her...or some T.V. time...this does help but you have to start early enough so you can say ok time for bed and get them use to going back to sleep at a decent hour...you can also try some soothing music, the studies show that children who listen to music will fall asleep faster once use too it...good luck

Answer 3

Make sure that you have a good bedtime routine going to help ease the child to bed.

Slow down play time a little earlier, and use that time for talking or cuddling while watching TV. Then move off to the bathroom for a bath and brushing of teeth and the like. From there, it's off to bed with a story.

The sooner you close down the "outside activities" that stimulate the child the easier they will have it falling asleep.

A warm glass of milk doesn't always hurt either. :)

Answer 4

My 9 year old daughter is exactly the same, I tried increasing her exercise, she swims now everyday for a couple of hours, I also cut down on sweets, and sugar, it seems she is a bit better now but not much, I think she is the kind of person who has enough sleep less than any other person, and I think it runs in the family, but what I tried made her better around 50%, so, try it maybe it will be good for her.

Answer 5

Good idea everyone else has. Unfortunately, if you have a high strung child or one with ADHD, like I do the doctors may want to put the child on meds for sleep and stop the sleep deprevation. My son was so exhausted in school from no sleep he was failing. I took him off of the prescribed meds, and placed him on 3mg. Melatonin (over the counter in the vitamin section) and it has worked wonders. He now turns off within one hour of the pill and wakes up fully rested in the morn.

Answer 6

Just lie down with him until he goes to sleep. Sing to him.
That way you are right there and he doesn't have to wonder what you are doing.
Another idea is to use sound. Get a calming CD and play it (the same one) every night. That way he can't hear what's going on outside.
Develop a ritual for bedtime, with things in sequence: bathroom, brushing teeth, getting a drink or snack, reading together, talking over the day quietly. Bring him down slowly. And be involved. He can't do it by himself.

Answer 7

I also have a 9 year old boy who is awake 'til oh, maybe 11:30 every single night (in bed, but awake), we get up for school by 7:50am, but still he can't sleep. He waits for the adults to go to sleep, etc., etc. I'm just gonna hope he is still getting used to school hours, it just started last week, but if this keeps up--I will talk to a dr. about it. No, benadryl does NOT help.He has me sleep-deprived too now!!! I have considered - illness, emotional upset, all those things-- too much sugar at night, list goes on and on and on.............................

Answer 8

My son use to take forever to go to sleep. He kept getting up with ridiculous excuses as a way to wake himself up. I banned him from getting up except for toilet and told him if he did I would shut his door (he hates that so it always works) now he is asleep a lot quicker as he lays there and relaxes instead of jolting himself awake by getting up. A warm bath with some Lavender in it just before bed and a warm drink, no t.v or screen of any type before bed that can hype him up. 20 minutes of reading for relaxation then lights out and stay in bed.

Answer 9

Routine. You need to set up a routine. Maybe he is getting too much stimulation before going to sleep. I put my children on a routine, like

1. Bath
2. Read 2-3 books
3. Good night.

Answer 10

My daughter who is 5 has the same problem, she gets up, says she is scared, does not want to be alone etc. I don't have any ideas on what to do, but you are not alone.