Non-Sleeping 4 Year Old!

I'm not sure if this will help, but I do think that your routine is fine. Just tuck her in and close the door. Eventually, she'll get the hint. If she cries, she'll be fine. You'll know that she's fed, clean and loved also. It may take up to 2 weeks of you sticking to this and she'll get the hint. Maybe she has bad dreams. You can read to her about bad dreams. I've read the Blue's Clues Bad Dream book to my 4 yr old and so far, no bad dreams. All I can recommend is to let her stay in her room and she'll get bored. The toys should be cleaned up and if needed, put away. If this doesn't work, then you may want to get her checked out. The older she gets, the harder it'll be. I hope that it works out for you.

Some children and some people have very high energy levels. You can work with her on being respectful of others and their need to sleep! Things that she can do quietly in case she can not fall asleep.

With that said, you can also look into her diet. Sugar, artifical flavors, colors and preservatives will get children's bodies wired up so that they can't get to sleep even when their body is tired. Try taking out soda, fake juices (read the label to see how much juice is in the juice), candy, junk foods and replace with whole foods with lots of fiber, fruits, etc.

Good luck!

A.

M.: You have just described my daughter; however, she will soon be five and for the last few months--she has begun to go to sleep at a more reasonable time. I ended up cutting fruit drinks from her diet and limit her sugar intake, no naps under no circumstances not even at school!!!!she may look at a book but no napping is allowed!!!!!

M.,

My one son was like that since before 12 months old. No naps and no more than 8 hours sleep a night. Nothing helped. The doctor even prescribed a medication they give kids to make them sleepy before surgery and it didn't phase him. He didn't start sleeping more until he became a lazy teenager.

It just may be the way she is. Just teach her to be quiet and respectful and let others sleep, to stay in her room and be quiet if others in the house are sleeping, etc.

As long as she follows whatever rules are set, things will be okay.

Good Luck.

Maybe you can find a video or book about one of her favorite characters who go to sleep at night. Barney, Dora, etc.

You are not alone! I have a boy that will be 5 in about a month and since he was born he has not been a sleeper. He has been in school, so he is accustomed to "nap time", although most often he doesn't sleep. To this day, as I am writing you at 9pm, he does not ever go to bed before 10:30pm. Usually about 11-12pm when I go to bed. I could put him in bed at 9pm and he will just watch TV or talk to his stuffed animals or something, so I just don't even bother. He goes to bed when I do (11-12'ish) and gets up at 7am for school and is still ready to go. I don't really have any advice for you, but I want you to know that you are not alone!

I googled "foods that make you sleepy" and I got askdrsears.com with lots of info,,,check it out, it might give you some ideas
also check this out,,more ideas but to lengthy to post so here is the link. http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=21&am... if it doesn't show as a link just copy and paste.

How is her behavior and temperment throughout the day?
Does she act over tired at all?
Whenever anyone has a sleep question I always find myself reaching for the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weisbluth. He's pretty much the child sleep Dr. And all of my advice is based on his book and reasearch (and my practical experience with using it)...

Anyways, if she is acting overtired--grumpy, touchy, overwired, then I would move her bedtime to an earlier, yes earlier time. Overtired kids don't sleep well. so though you are on the right track with having a routine and the same wake-up, nap and bedtimes, you may actually need to try moving her bedtime back a bit...meaning try putting her down earlier. Try moving her bedtime back to 7pm in 15 min intervals....I think 7:00 should be enough though since she sleeps until 7am.

REGARDLESS, though don't let her stay up any later...even if you keep the bedtime at 8pm-start her getting ready for bed 30 min prior and don't take no for an answer no matter how "not tired" she is behaving. And please don;t let he watch TV to fall asleep either--you are only asking for so many more sleep issues!
Remember you are the parent and just remain consistent with her bedtime. She is 4 and curious and wants to play no matter what--but needs her sleep to refresh her body and mind. Stay strong and insist on and early bed time.