Fidgets stopping toddler sleeping

[lepetitchoufleur]

Hi DS is 2y9mo and a proper fidget bum! Most of the time it's fine (it's an inherited trait from DH so I'm used to it) but his fidgeting gets significantly worse at bed time and it's stopping him from getting off to sleep effectively. I'm sure if I could teach him some ways to be calm he would drift off quickly and happily. He's a very good boy and never fights bed time, but his fidgets keep him awake until about 8:30 or so and make him so excitable he runs out of bed a lot. He even gasps and holds his breath, like a fish out of water. He's one of those kids who gets more manic the more tired he is, so it gets progressively worse as the night progresses. Have any of you experienced this? Does any one have any ideas how I can calm him down? He has a great bedtime routine, we've tried singing to him, lavender drops near the bed, talking to him about being soft and calm, stroking his head and nose, all sorts. Help!

Hi, sorry I don't have any advise by my dd is similar. She is on the go all day, gets very over excited and stimulated etc. At the moment her brain is just so active, she's constantly talking, learning new words, narrating the day, her brain seems to be in overdrive. This makes it very difficult for her to wind down at bedtime so she too is not falling asleep until 8.30/9pm after a 7.30pm bedtime. She is also waking up restless throughout the night thrashing and banging about. I too would like to find ways to help her unwind, calm down and relax but not sure what to do. Dd is younger than your ds, she's 2 years 1 month.

Any ideas would also be appreciated here.

Thank god I'm not alone! Someone did suggest no blue light (t.v.s or any other screens) for a good hour before bed which us easy but doesn't make much difference. I've tried running him ragged, that doesn't do much either :( but maybe you'd have more luck than me witnessed these?

I've been trying no tv at least an hr before bed, fresh air, exercise etc but nothing seems to make a difference really. Think I may start limiting nap as it's the only other thing I can think of to try. Don't want to get her OT though. I'm such a light sleeper and always wake when she's restless which is not great at almost 37 weeks pg.

We tried cutting down naps and he got worse, but like I said before he does get worse when tired so if your DS isn't like that it could be the answer for you. Fingers crossed for you!

Sorry DD! Typo!

Hi @lepetitchoufleur we have a toddler with almost identical behaviour even down to holding his breath. I wondered whether you ever found a solution that helped him fall asleep more peacefully?