Help with early waking in an almost five-year old

[Lanky]

Hi. DS seems to need at least 12 hours sleep a night, but rarely gets more than 11 and this isn't enough for him.

It's a struggle to keep him awake during the day and he often falls asleep during mealtimes.

He goes to bed at 7pm most nights, but wakes around 6 in the morning.

I've tried shifting his sleep. For six months he went to bed at 7.30, but still woke up at 6ish during that time and was a nightmare during the day due to tiredness, so I reverted to 7pm bedtimes.

I'm really concerned about this as he is starting school in January and I don't want him to fall asleep during his lunch.

I'd like to find a way to help him to sleep later in the morning. Any ideas

Thanks in advance

Maybe and afternoon power nap will help shift his sleep pattern? DS1 had a sleep in the day right up until he went to school even 45mins seemed to help; does he sleep in the car, perhaps you could have a little doze each day? No later than 3pm I would advise. This seemed to have no effect on his nightime sleep, 7.30pm - 7am, most nights. Do you think he has enough iron in his diet, DS1 had a blood test in reception and although he was no anemic his iron count was on the low end. I bought these sachets called Spa Tone and put them in his morning juice and these really helped with the tiredness. Also protein at each meal helps with energy levels. He will be tired regardless once he starts school in Jan, all so much to take in and new, my advice would be to give him a snakc/food when he gets home from school and if he falls asleep let him, there is no point in fighting it, it will eventually even out once he gets used to the routine. Good luck.

Thanks. I'll investigate the iron as he does seem unusually tired compared to his friends.

He's at nursery during the day and does sometimes fall asleep, but he's not going to be able to do this in January, so I'd rather try and get him to sleep longer in the morning if that's possible.