I’m a single mum at the end of my tether as my son refuses to go to sleep
DEAR DEIDRE: MY son refuses to go to sleep, and I’m at the end of my tether. I’m a single mum aged 29 and this problem has been going on since he was two, he’s now four.
I try to tire him out after school every day with physical activities, but it never works, he’s never tired.
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He seems to need less sleep than I do.
I put him to bed at eight, read him a story and turn off his light. But five minutes later he is downstairs again and wants to talk or play.
Often it’s midnight before he nods off. I hate having no life of my own, and I’m worried he is not getting enough sleep and will get sick.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Sleep deprivation is awful and will be affecting you both. But a calm routine up to bedtime will help.
Make sure you limit his screen time and turn off the TV or tablet a couple of hours before bedtime.
A warm bath might help too. Make sure his room isn’t too hot or cold and watch his diet – too much sugar or an allergy can affect sleep.
Be patient: it might be a case of trial and error.