Do you have any tips to settle a 5-year-old?

Hello!

My son is 5, he has never ever slept well (as a bub 40 mins, toddler 2hrly wake ups, ), he now sleeps through 1/7 nights. My issue is that he cant wind down/settle down ready for bed- ends up in tears rather than being able to sit and be quiet, its like his body still has too much energy, its to the point where he could still be awake at midnight even thought he gets up by 8am for school 4/5 days a week. I am getting concerned for the fact i know he needs more sleep and its going to start interfering with his learning/big school.
How do you help your high wired child to settle down/wind down, relax?
I feel like a bad mum knowing he is up so late.

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- - Ellen said
  - 10 Jul 2023
    7:57 am
There might be a diagnosis behind his behaviour like ADHD. I would discuss your concerns with his GP and maybe get a referral to see a pediatrician
- - Betty1510 said
  - 27 Dec 2017
    8:17 am
Have you looked at his diet, I know my 5 year old is very unsettled if he has too much sugar during the day. We have cut out all packaged food and only have fruit and vegetables for him to snack on, we also do bed time story and limit tv viewing after a certain time. But I would also take him to a GP and get a professional opinion on the situation also.
- - Breenalee said
  - 23 Oct 2017
    2:22 pm
It may be time to take him to a GP! Don’t feel like a bad mumma, kids are exhausting and you caring and seeking help just shows you want the absolute best for him!
There may be an underlying issue with his Melatonin levels, which is the brains way of getting us tired and ready to settle. Your sons levels may be lacking which means it won’t be giving him that feeling. A GP can request bloods to look into this for you