Always tired

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

Dc3 will turn 5 in Feb & started school in September. She's in the older class (2 form entry). Seems to enjoy it while she's there, enjoys being with her friends & loves homework.

The problem we're having is she is continually tired. She has 1 to 2 naps on a Saturday & Sunday & falls asleep 4 out of 5 days after school in the week. She's also fallen asleep in class on 9 occasions since September. She sleeps well at night in a dark room, goes to bed between 7 & 7:30 asleep within 15 minutes, wakes at around 7:15 every day. Does have a night light but this get turned off at 10ish. I've spoken to the gp on the 'phone & he has agreed this doesn't sound right for a child her age, we've booked her in to see him over Christmas & have bloods taken. She has abidec drops in her drink each morning as well as good balanced diet so he thinks it's unlikely a vitamin deficiency but wants bloods to rule it out. School know about the issue & are supportive if she has a weekend where she doesn't want to do homework/have let her know it's ok if she's too tired.

She's always been healthy except for the usual colds that come with nursery. Chickenpox 2 years ago & 1 bad tummy bug at 2yo.

Anyone have any ideas what could be up? Or been in a similar situation?

How is her weight? Is she losing weight?

I think you are doing the right thing in getting her checked as it could be indicative of an underlying issue. I know there were several occasions when my DS was in reception last year when he mentioned someone had fallen asleep at school that day, so it isn’t completely unusual, though 9 times a term seems a lot.

Has she had a virus or other illness? Could she still be recovering?

Was she this tired before starting school?

Actually that's one thing I've not done for a while Rainbow I'll get her to hop on the scales before her bath tomorrow night. It doesn't look as if she's lost any, she's skinny anyway though. She's not eating as much at meals here/doesn't seem to have much appetite for anything large iyswim but is eating all her lunch at school, she proudly shows me her sticker each day . Still eating normal snacks.

No, not this tired before starting Maximum. I did just put it down to normal new starter tiredness up until half term but the fact she didn't seem to recover over half term & is still like it now worries me.

She had a slight cough but that's only been within the last couple of weeks & it's all but gone now.

I think you’re on a good course. Get any health issues ruled-out at the GP over Christmas. Hopefully it’s just been a really stimulating term & it’s natural exhaustion.

I think I would get an appointment this week rather than in a few weeks - can you get a same day appointment? I know this might seem pushy but it’s what I would do if it was my child. I would insist on bloods and also that someone listened to her heart (is she active? Does she tire easily running about?).

Hopefully it’ll just be the demands of school but I spoke def get it checked out and just keep an eye out for any other symptoms.

At that age I had to get my eldest DD into bed by 6.15 or she would be completely exhausted day in day out. The bloods are a good idea but she might just need more sleep than her peers. Have you tried getting her to bed earlier?