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My 5 Year Old Child Won't Sleep

I don't know what to do or where to look for help. My son was a great sleeper until this year. He routinely slept from 8 until 6 or 7, no problems!


His sleep has since deteriorated and he not only has issues falling asleep but staying asleep. He goes to bed at 8 but won't fall asleep until 9 or 10 and is up *for the day* at 3 or 4...without fail.

As a result, he is a wreck during the day. Overtired, can't focus or pay attention, and hyper!

On the few nights that he does get a full sleep, he is a completely different child. Happy, we'll behaved, effective at listening... we also have issues with bed wetting. But that has hit the back burner with this new development.

I don't know what to do anymore. I try getting him back to sleep but he will just lay in bed and play until morning arrives.

Help!!! My mom has suggested using melatonin but I'm not sure it's the answer. His pediatrician isn't listening to me and I have no idea what to do next. At first we tried giving him more to do with extra curricular activities but it seems to amplify the problem as well. I am so lost.

Comments for My 5 Year Old Child Won't Sleep

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Jun 10, 2018
 This is my kid too! NEW
by: Anonymous

My four year old daughter does the same. I've literally tried everything except drugs and nothing works. She goes to bed at 7pm, and generally falls asleep by 10, then is up at 5, full of energy. She is hyper all day long, doesn't listen, screams and throws tantrums, and she was not like this as a baby/younger toddler. It's only happened in the last year or so. I'm at my wits end and the pediatrician just shrugs it off. The behavior is so upsetting, I don't know what to do. :(
Feb 05, 2023
 Wow NEW
by: Anonymous

It's great to see that there was no one to offer you any advise in at least 5 years (sarcasm). What happened? Your kid should be 10 now yes? Mine is 5 and just started this also and wondering if you found a way through?

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