Help an anxious 12 y o fall asleep

[NameWithChange]

Any ideas? Tried and tested theories?

Really struggling with my 12 yr old DS at the mo. He has always been an anxious child, recent bereavement has stirred it back up to quite a high level with angry/frustrated outbursts.

Bedtime is the worst, he finds it very hard to wind down, stop worrying etc. He used to listen to meditations but got bored and won't do now. He has an iPod to listen to but I don't allow screens or anything else.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much times are tough.

What time is he going to bed? Make sure it's not too early...

I try to get him in his room from 9. With encouragement to turn off lights at 9.30. Doesn't happen.

Watching with interest as I have an anxious 8 year old who is getting quite distressed at bedtimes at the moment.

No children of my own but I was a very anxious pre teen and audiobooks were a lifesaver for me. Still an anxious adult and when DP is away I will listen to a nice story to help me drift off (and the cats sleep in with me, which is calming too 😊)

Will he read a book at bedtime? That works for my DS

DD finds that pillow sleep spray really helps. I think the smell gives her something to focus on. She's 13 and has been using it for a couple of years. It is expensive, but worth it for us. Sleep

Radio 4 comedy on I player, cabin pressure etc my dd loves them

Smell is interesting. Not sure if it would work for boys? I do have a lavender vapouriser thing. iPad a no no.

He always used to read books. He doesn't anymore. Says he doesn't like any.

audiobook
radio 4 on iplayer ( something like the now show if they are into that kind of thing).
I will admit DS aged 13 has once had piriton. He is anxious and can't sleep when worried., after a few nights and increasing distress I gave him some piriton ( and told him it would make him drowsy to increase the placebo affect). It worked really well but was a one off obviously.

and don't forget the tried and tested "warm bath and milky drink"

Thanks. You've just reminded me that the once my DS had piriton I discovered he was the very small percentage of people who have a crazy hyperactive reaction!!