Sleep problems 8 year old

[Itsamotherthing]

My son is really struggling with sleep! He’s usually very routine with his bedtime. But I’m now getting concerned that it isn’t a phase anymore and now an issue. He gets quite upset he can’t sleep! We do the usual calm routine, no tablets, lights off, small night light on etc. Trying not to get stressed when he’s still awake at 10pm is so hard. I find myself failing and getting cross. Just wanted to know if any of you have had similar experiences I feel quite alone with this. And next step will be doctors for answers. But when do you know of a phase is a phase. I should say he had full bloods already this year and they were all clear from a minor health complaint and he seems happy other than that!

When does he wake up, is it natural? 10pm to 8am is well within the normal range of sleep needs of an 8 year old, so it may just be that those are his current needs, so is his upset because you expect him to sleep, and he's feeling he's doing something wrong because you are expecting him to be asleep and getting cross?

My husband actually reminded me of this today and said 9 hours is the requirement and that’s all he actually needs! I suppose we have it drained into us that children HAVE to be in bed early etc at school it almost makes you feel if they aren’t asleep in bed by 8:30 then it’s a bigger issue ....

I would let him stay up a bit later, maybe go to bed at 9 and read for half an hour. It's better this than him starting to stress over it and then it becoming more difficult to sleep.