Helping Children, Especially Those with ADHD, Sleep Better: Tips and Funny Bedtime Excuses

Children with ADHD or high anxiety may find it harder to relax and transition to bedtime. They often seek your attention, repeating questions or excuses. This is usually a sign of anxiety. Here’s how to help:

Avoid bright lights at night.
Consult your doctor about giving your child melatonin 30 minutes before their ideal bedtime.
Read a few bedtime stories.
Say goodnight and provide a small activity for the child in bed—like a small toy bag, coloring book, or another quiet activity.

Even with these strategies, children often invent funny excuses before bed. Sleep specialists have noted some of the most creative ones.

Funny Bedtime Questions and Excuses

Child’s random bedtime questions:

“What is a fax machine, and how does it work?” (from a 4-year-old!)
“Mom, why do I have two eyes if I only see one thing?”
“Tell me, do noodles grow on trees?”

Classic excuses:

“But I need some water first.”
“But I need to floss first!” (even if you never floss them).
“I’m too tired to go upstairs to bed.”

Blaming excuses:

“But my bunny doesn’t want to sleep!”
“My brain told me to stay awake—I have things to do.”
“I’m busy counting to a million.”

Urgent “important” excuses:

“I thought my hand was missing, but I found it and wanted to tell you.”
“I need to tell you something that happened last week…”
“Do you think Noura in class likes me?”

Tips for Deep, Restful Sleep

1. Start a “Calm Down” Routine

Begin 30 minutes before bedtime: reading, coloring, puzzles, or gentle yoga. Repeating this nightly teaches children that it’s time to relax.

2. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Even during weekends or holidays, keep bed and wake times within 1–2 hours of the usual schedule.

3. Avoid Bright, Cool-Colored Night Lights

If a child relies on a night light, choose a dim, warm-colored lamp instead of a bright white or blue one.

4. Use Relaxation Apps

Moshi app: audio stories, music, and meditation designed for kids (no screens). Studies show Moshi can help children fall asleep 28 minutes faster.
Yoto app: sleep sounds, podcasts, bedtime stories, night light, and alarm options.

5. Avoid Blue Light

Screens emit blue light that mimics daylight, making it harder to sleep. Turn off devices at least one hour before bedtime.

6. Burn Off Energy During the Day

Ensure children get enough exercise but finish active play at least three hours before bedtime to allow relaxation.

7. Avoid Late Afternoon Naps

Long naps late in the day may interfere with nighttime sleep.

8. Keep the Bedroom Cool

Optimal night temperatures:

Infants: 16–20°C
Toddlers and older children: 18–22°C

9. Reduce Bedtime Fears and Nightmares

Provide a comforting toy or a “dream spray” to help children feel safe and secure at night.

Mother’s Experiences: Bedtime Challenges

1. “I Love You!”

A mother shares: “My 7-year-old struggles every night, asking the same questions repeatedly: ‘Will I have happy dreams? Will you wake me up? Do you love me?’ He checks under his bed, closet, and laundry room repeatedly, and uses the bathroom three or four times before sleeping.”

2. Boredom

“My child wants to sleep in a different place every night. On some nights, he can sleep anywhere—floor or closet—but if I sit in the room and read with him, he settles better. Audio books are now very helpful.”

3. Need for Attention

“For my 8-year-old with ADHD, we extend bedtime with ‘extra attention time.’ I lie with him, talk a bit, pretend to sleep, and sometimes he plays with my hair or fingers. After ten minutes, he falls asleep. Leaving him alone often makes things worse.”

4. Anger and Anxiety

“My child experiences night anxiety and seeks to control his environment. Taking away night lights once caused major distress. Offering comfort and laying with him briefly helped him calm down and sleep on his own.”