Sometimes, no matter how solid your kid’s bedtime routine is, it can prove challenging for them to settle to sleep. I’m not just talking about babies here; it’s an issue that can persist well into their double digits. Lots of parents message Letterkenny Babies Facebook page for sleep advice and tips.

One parent recently wrote: “Please help! I have a seven year old girl who won’t sleep. She’s been a poor sleeper since she was a baby. We have tried all the usual things; magnesium, melatonin, routine, no screens, outside play, balanced diet, mindfulness, talking calmly, play therapy, 1-1 time. I’m at my wits end.

“I work full time, I have other children, I’m absolutely exhausted and completely losing my patience with her. Are there any other ideas?”

Another parent sent in a similar message the very next day: “My ten year old daughter can’t seem to turn off at night. We’ve tried night lights, dream catchers, lavender spray, sleep drops, kinesiology, worry monster, diary, talking about it, lying with her, breathing exercises, positive thoughts, teddies, talking about it some more. I just can’t go through another year like this – there’s no down time at night.

“She has a good, calm routine – some TV with supper, then teeth. I read a bit of her book to her and then she has fifteen minutes to read herself. She has a lovely cosy bed with all her teddies. I feel guilty – maybe I should just lie with her every night but I can’t do that.

“I’ve got cleaning and washing and stuff to get ready for the next day and I work and have other children. It’s just becoming so bad. I feel like I want to get into the car when night comes. I’ve been calm up to a point but now I’m getting cross. And I had tried tough love before too. Please, has anyone any advice or tips?”

Gosh, it sounds so exhausting and frustrating for all involved – and based on the amount of similar messages the page receives, it’s a common issue.

These two parents have tried everything they could think of to improve their child’s sleep situation. Thankfully, Letterkenny Babies page members came up with even more suggestions, with many saying it’s all trial and error in the hope that something sticks. Reflexology, homeopathy, reiki, craniosacral therapy and a chiropractor were all recommended. A trip to the GP for an appropriate dose of melatonin was also suggested by many empathetic parents.

Many suggested a weighted blanket might help, with others advising that her bedroom window should be open and the room should not be too warm at bedtime. Some people suggested white noise, relaxing music or nature sounds to lull her to sleep. Solfeggio frequencies songs were also suggested – I had to Google that one! It’s basically like something you might hear in a fancy spa; unique sound patterns that promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. There’s plenty of it available on YouTube.

There were also those who have tried absolutely everything going and have resigned themselves to the fact that their kids need less sleep than others; “It used to drive me mad until I accepted that she’s just a wakeful child. She’s clever and a deep thinker – perhaps your daughter is too? Acceptance is one step towards becoming less annoyed by it. It might not be what you want to hear but maybe it’s just part of who she is and it can’t be changed.”