When Your Child Refuses to Go to Bed: 10 Tips for a Peaceful Bedtime Routine

Terry Matlen, ACSW Health Professional ADHD expert, consultant, writer. Director: www.MomsWithADD.com ADHD has been part of my life since...oh, since I was born! But I... Send Message Subscribe: Terry Matlen, ACSW

Thursday, April 17, 2008
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There are many studies that show the difficulties children with ADHD - and their parents- face at bedtime. Typically, the child's ADHD medication has worn off, causing his symptoms to reappear, often with a vengeance. As he becomes more hyperactive and impulsive, his body needs just the opposite:...

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Helping Your Child Go to Bed
Eileen Bailey
Friday, April 18, 2008 at 10:01 PM

Terry

Although (thankfully) I do not have this problem any longer, I can remember having gone through bedtime battles for many years. This was long before I understood anything about ADHD and why my son could not get to sleep or would not stay in bed.

These tips would have been a life safer back then and I am sure they will help other parents that are going through this now.

Eileen

Bedtime, bathtime suppertime Nightmares
Karen
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 02:44 PM

My children have to take their medication so early in the morning that by the time bathtime and suppertime comes around they are all over the house. I have an 11 year old daughter and 7 year old son. They just feed off of one another. The oldest is the leader and she is the worse. They are both on Vyvanse. It works really good. When it wears off, they are like hummingbirds buzzing around and can't seem to stop. I know that this is a medical condition, but I'm at my wits end.

re: Bedtime, bathtime suppertime Nightmares
Terry Matlen, ACSW
Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 07:29 AM

Hi Karen,

I hear you and I have the same problem, here.

You might want to talk to their doctor about the option of medication to cover them up to bedtime. In my case, my daughter needs a 2nd med so that she can calm down enough to fall asleep. Some docs will prescribe a 2nd dose of stimulants for later in the day/early evening. Ask him/her if there's something that can help your kids during these hours.

Good luck!

Terry

Weighted Blanket
camie
Friday, January 09, 2009 at 09:45 PM

I have to agree about a weighted blanket being helpful in sleep and calming. We purchased a weighted blanket a couple of years ago and it was THE best purchase we have ever made in helping our daughter with sleep. We purchased ours from a place called DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets. It ws custom made for our daughter and are getting ready to purchase one for our son soon. I think the web site is www.weightedblanket.net for anyone who is interested.