The after party

Do you have a night owl on your hands that is full of energy and refusing to sleep at a reasonable hour? Is it taking up all your energy to try and settle them to sleep, leaving you feeling like you’re ready for bed, too? When evenings are often the only time that we get to recharge, it is hard when our little ones resist bedtime and end up sleeping late. Many parents even begin to dread bedtime because of this! As children tend to start their days early, late bedtimes can lead to insufficient sleep and overtiredness. Short nights and long days with an overtired child can be extremely tough, but there are some simple steps that you can take to adapt them to an earlier bedtime.

 

We must be mindful of the fact that overtiredness can present in the evening in the form of alertness and high energy in children. Once a child is overtired, it can be difficult to get them to wind down and settle to sleep due to raised cortisol levels. Hence, an age-appropriate bedtime is advised, giving them a better chance to settle down and sleep in good time. It is also worth paying attention to your child’s daytime schedule if they are napping. Making the shift to an earlier bedtime can start by bringing bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few days. This gradual adjustment will help to reset their sleep patterns. It is also beneficial to create a consistent bedtime routine, which can help your child transition to an earlier bedtime by signalling sleep cues. Elements such as a bath, changing into pyjamas, a bedtime story, and being tucking into bed are fantastic routines to follow. You can also ensure that your child’s bedroom environment is conducive to sleep. For older children, you can establish clear boundaries and even put into place a rewards system which can be effective.

 

In an ideal world, you would want your children to go to sleep at a reasonable hour every night. The reality of it is that sometimes events such as parties or holidays happen, and bedtime is much later than normal. This is perfectly fine, and children will catch up on their sleep the following night. However, if you find yourself in a bind and your little one is repeatedly up late because they are protesting bedtime, it is certainly possible to turn your night owl into an early bird with some simple steps!