Bedtimes and sleep

[whoknewitwouldbethiscrazy]

Hello, I'm a lurker not a poster, but I am having a real issue with my eleven year old boy. He is not going to sleep until 11.30pm or later every night even school nights. He says he cannot get to sleep and gets cross and frustrated with "trying" which makes it worse. I have tried suggesting everything I can think of to help but nothing seems to work. He's tired all the time, very bad tempered and touchy, lethargic and doesn't want to do anything. It's feels like we've lost our lovely boy to teendom already. He's not being bullied, seems to be doing ok at school and doesn't seem to have any worries. Please share your wisdom on what can I do, thanks.

[CouldBeAnyoneReally]

I have to implement the following;

No phone/gaming after 6pm (we do allow tv)
No sweets after lunchtime (the additives have an effect on both dc)
Nothing with caffeine ie cola or tea
Reading for at least 10mins after going to bed.

Also we use sleep sounds on the echo dot - heavy rain normally. It’s very relaxing.

Ds 11 is normally asleep by 930pm and dd 10 by 9pm. Both up before 7am usually.

[whoknewitwouldbethiscrazy]

Thanks for answering. I will try and implement some of your ideas.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Let us know how you get on OP

[theSnuffster]

My 10 year old has always struggled to sleep and is usually still awake at 10-10.30pm. We've tried lots and nothing works for him (he has ADHD) but could work for you-
Lavender room spray
Warm bath
Want milky drink or chamomile tea
White noise
Massage- lush sell a message cream that people rave about- I think it's called 'sleepy'?
Breathing exercises or meditation
Foods to aid sleep- bananas and yoghurt safe meant to be good