Disturbed nights after a busy day

[Marshmallowflump22]

Yesterday we had such a busy day, lots of running around st soft play in the morning and then in the snow for a few hours in the afternoon making snowmen, snowball fights, all quite physics stuff. Then out for supper with friends but home by 7.15pm. 3 year old in bed for 8pm, an hour later than usual due to being out for supper. All in all a very busy non stop day, so why is it when they should be so tired they conk out for the night do we have a really disturbed night with calling out and more vivid dreams than usual. This happens every time he goes to bed a little bit later, which is rare, maybe once a month. Everyone always say ‘oh so and so will sleep well tonight’ and then it turns out to be ‘one of those’ nights. Just wondered if there is a reason for it?

Overtired? Brain more active when he goes to bed. Think about if you've been buzzing when you get to bed, it's quite hard to shut off and just go to sleep.

They need routine, you can't just change their bedtime due to your social plans unfortunately. Consistency is the key.

I know it's probably a bit boring but lots of children this age need a consistent bedtime. If they've had a busy day I'd try starting the bedtime routine little earlier rather than later and give them a little longer in the bath and maybe an extra story as it helps them to switch off.