What to Do When Your 5-8-Year-Old Won’t Sleep: Tips for Tired Moms and Dads

June 2, 2025

If you’re an exhausted mom or dad from battling bedtime every night with your child, this blog is for you. Many parents of kids ages 5-8 find themselves wondering, “Why won’t my child sleep?”

Sleep problems in children are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept sleepless nights as the norm. Here’s what you need to know about bedtime struggles with kids so you can all get the restful nights you deserve.

Common Sleep Problems in Kids Ages 5-8

Between the ages of 5 and 8, children's brains are growing rapidly, and with that growth comes new challenges at bedtime. They start to require a little less sleep, but still about 9-11 hours per night. If you’re noticing sleep problems in your child during this time, it’s often linked to a few key factors:

Anxiety and Overstimulation: School pressures, social worries, or even too much screen time can leave kids feeling wired at bedtime.
Poor Sleep Habits: Inconsistent bedtimes, late-night snacks, or minimal calming activities before bed can make it hard for kids to wind down.
Developmental Changes: Misreading their shifting tired cues or sleep needs can lead to kids being overtired and having trouble falling asleep.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Some kids resist sleep because they don’t want to miss out on family time, TV shows, or fun activities happening after they’re in bed.

Bedtime Routines That Actually Work for Kids

A predictable bedtime routine is one of the best ways to teach the body and brain that it’s time to rest. Getting kids to sleep more easily starts with structure! Here's how to create a bedtime routine that works:

Consistent Bed and Wake Times: Aim for a similar sleep schedule on weekdays and weekends as much as possible. Too much variation can throw off their internal clock.
Wind-Down Rituals: Start winding down at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Dim the lights and engage in calming activities like taking a bath, reading books, or listening to soft music.
Screens Off Rule: Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from devices can interfere with the body’s melatonin production, making it harder for your child to fall asleep.
Comfort Items: Offer a stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, a nightlight, or a sound machine for reassurance that also creates positive associations with sleep.
Goodnight Chat: Put aside a few, final minutes to chat, snuggle, or do a special goodnight handshake to help your child feel connected, relaxed, and ready to separate for the night.

Parent-Approved Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

If you’ve ever typed something like…“how to help my child sleep” into Google around 2 AM, these tried-and-true tips for sleep can help:

Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom: Keep your child’s bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Blackout curtains and white noise machines can make a huge difference.
Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Watch out for sneaky sources of caffeine and sugar—like chocolates and sodas—in the afternoon and evening that can disrupt sleep.
Teach Relaxation Techniques: Try simple breathing exercises and sleep meditations with your child through parent and kid-friendly apps (like the HeyKiddo Parenting App) that helps them settle down.
Set Clear Expectations: Let your child know when each part of their bedtime routine is coming up and stick to it. If they come out of their room after lights-out, calmly walk them back to their room without engaging in negotiations.
Praise Good Sleep Habits: Praise your child for staying in bed, following their bedtime routine, and trying their best to fall asleep on their own the next morning to reinforce these habits.

If sleep problems persist despite these efforts, it might be worth talking to your child’s pediatrician. Better nights and happier mornings are within reach! Here’s to restful nights ahead for you and your kiddo 🪄🌚