5 Year Old Won't Sleep After Football Practice

Hi C.,

I'm sorry but 5 days/week for 2 hours is just too too much for a 5 year old. Maybe he is staying up wanting to do what he missed doing because of all that practice. I have a 5 year old too and I could not ever imagine such a regimented schedule like that. I just think it is too much for that age and perhaps he is trying to tell you that by not sleeping.

Also having such activity or anxiety if you will, so close to bedtime can cause hyperactivity and restlessness. Good luck to you. I hope you figure it all out and that your son gets some sleep before kindergarten.

Sometimes it's hard for me to sleep if I have worked out or walked at night. Exercising and running around can be exhausting but when you think about it, it's suppose to give you more energy. It's probably hard for him to wind down after all of that activity. I know you want to bath him too after his practices, but when I shower at night it wakes me up...I'm better off taking it in the morning when I start my day.

Hi C.,
My daughter is 4 and very active also. I've learned that whenever we have something very busy to do I give her time to slow down. We get home, have dinner, a bath and then read a couple of books together or play a game and/or watch a movie that she chooses. It does sometimes end up being 9 or 9:30 when she falls asleep but she has time to unwind then.

I would say if you are not able to find something that works to talk to the pediatrician for suggestions, but I really think he may just need to find something to do to unwind.

Best Wishes!
M.

Because he's only 5, I wouldn't worry too much. I'm thinking that eating dinner and taking a bath probably doesn't take much time before trying to go to bed. The problem is probably that he's still so hyped up from running around and being with his friends, having fun, that he just needs a little more time to wind down. Maybe encourage him to read a little bit before bed? I would say let him watch tv, but at that time there isn't too much appropriate stuff on for a 5 year old and I don't believe in just siting a kid in front of a tv. haha. Reading is always an extroadinary hobby to take up, and i know it always makes me sleepy! haha..So give that a try or anything else you could think of doing to wind down for maybe 30-45 minutes. Even if the activity goes a little over his normal bed time...it's better than not doing anything and him not falling asleep till the wee hours of the night!
Good luck!

Does he have to get up so early? Maybe he could get another hour or so in. I have to say I think that a routinue would help him...say bath, dinner and then some low key games for 30mins or so and then stories and then bed. Hopefully the familar schedule will help his body and brain relize he is tired.