My 8 year old was a great sleeper as a baby. I was a routine routine mum (twins) and this worked for us. In the last year it has become increasingly difficult to get him to sleep. He almost seems to force himself to stay awake. I have wondered if its anxiety based (he seems to worry i will leave the house whilst he is asleep)and have pandered to all his funny fears. He asks me to put my pyjamas on when he goes to bed. keeps my handbag (and sometimes shoes!) in his room. Written down this seems very bizzare but I figured if I showed no reluctance to give him these things he would feel more relaxed. It hasn't worked. His school work is suffering because he is tired but this doesn't seem to make any difference.