8-Year old won't sleep in her bed.

[MrsWhirling]

Please can someone help me, I am losing my mind with DD8 who will not go to bed. From about 4yrs old getting her to her own bed and getting her to stay there is a nightmare. Usually she says she is scared or has had a nightmare. Tonight I took her to be at 9pm, night light and hall light on and I promised to stay in my room. She has been up countless times screaming/crying/calling for her dad. Sleep seems to be a general issue for her, for example when she wakes in the mornings she will go out of her way to wake the entire family up. Me & DH never get any time together as by the time she is in bed asleep it is past our own. Any advice is gratfullu received.

Put her in a little bed by yours, if she can't snuggle in with you. When she's used to this and sleeps well, you and your DH can slip away for a bit of personal time.

Something is clearly bothering her. Long term, you might like to find out what it is that upsets her about going to bed.

Google magic sleep fairy. It worked wonders with my 5.5 year old

Thanks both. She's been up again since 1am. I have to be up for work at 5:45hrs.

Have you spoken to her about it calmly in the day time?

Yes, and she says she is scared of shadows and noises. She won't even go to the toilet on her own most of the time. She is still awake, coming into our room every 15minutes.