Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

6yo won't sleep and I'm ready to explode

30 replies

DorianMeile · 08/01/2025 22:07

I've tried everything. Tea at 5, healthy snack if he gets hungry, healthy diet, no caffeine and low sugar. Lots of exercise after school (biking/playground). Limited screen time and no tv after tea. Bath at 7, out by 7:30, pj's, bed, teeth brushed, stories - always still wide bloody awake. Room is dark with gro clock. Blackout curtains for summer. He's wired until 11/12 sometimes. Talking, up and down, says his brain won't turn off. Lots of support from school and on adhd pathway. There must be something I can do. I'm at my wits end!

OP posts:
gamerchick · 08/01/2025 22:16

Melatonin.

Ruddy hard to get though. Might have to do the online thing.

Timeforsnacks · 08/01/2025 22:15

Sorry I meant to say this works a bit with my son because I'm not trying to force him to sleep he actually starts getting tired earlier than if I kept repeating "right it's bed time now, get to bed, lie down" etc. now he comes to me and says I've had a nice day, tell me about your day in bed while we lie down etc.. completely different than when he used to bounce off the walls

oneandonlygreg · 08/01/2025 22:15

Ask the gp for some melatonin - sleep can be really hard if he does have adhd. This really helped my DS to sleep.

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 08/01/2025 22:13

I have no advice but can sympathise. My daughter (7) can sometimes takes hours to fall asleep. I’ve done the bedtime routine like you. The only thing that helps is that she loves reading and will read in bed quietly most nights. Does your son like reading? Could that help?

Timeforsnacks · 08/01/2025 22:12

Has he always been like this?
My son always has fought sleep since the day he was born and I had to come to the conclusion that I'll put him to bed later than other kids rather than stress about it.
Maybe tell him if he wants to stay up another hour he's only allowed to do reading while you fold clothes? Something that is a calm activity for both of you but it allows you to get on with life/chores a little??!

Swipe left for the next trending thread