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6 year old taking a long time to go to sleep

2 replies

confusedmum3 · 01/09/2012 22:24

DS is six and has just started back in his third year of school. He goes to bed happily about 730, is allowed to read for a bit and then turns off his light at a prearranged time. He is often still awake at 9 or 930 though, which seems really late to me for a six year old. This happens more often at the begining of term so it seems that there is at least an element of his brain being in "overdrive" or being overtired. He wakes between 7 and 730 in the morning and doesn't particularly sleep in to make up the lost sleep when he has been awake late. I would say he doesn't need to be going to bed that early, but he does seem pale and tired when he stays up several days close together and has bags under his eyes and grumpy behaviour to go with it. He doesnt seem to be anxious about anything and if asked says he's fine. He's not difficult or naughty when he doesn't go to sleep quickly, generally comes downstairs once at some point. He does sometimes get to the point of being frustrated at not being able to go to sleep. He gets loads of fresh air and excercise.
Any ideas? Does this need addressing? Or is it just a phase? Later bedtime? (which fills me with slight horror!! And he shares a bedroom with his brother (nearly 5) and they really like going to bed at the same time)

OP posts:
MrsShrek3 · 02/09/2012 02:01

You could easily be describing my ds2 who's 8 (almost 9) we discover that he doesn't need as much sleep as his siblings - older or younger. We've tried everything. Later bed time, reading stories to him, him reading, not reading, music, light on light off - you name it. Makes no odds. He only needs less than 8 hours. And is doing very well at school and lots of sports to try and wear him out Wink
It might be in his genes... It's not like I sleep much either Blush

KellyElly · 11/09/2012 12:49

My DD is much younger (only 3) and was in the same habit - sometimes still being awake at 10 even! I started putting her to bed half an hour later and having a really calm hour before bed (def no tv etc - bath, pjs, warm drink (although he may be too old for that) and reading. She goes out like a light now.

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