• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Deep Roots at Home
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Alternative Medicine
    • Babies & Pregnancy
    • Beauty
    • Books & Booklists
    • Brain & Gut Health
    • Children At Home
    • COVID-19
    • Detoxing & TRS
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Education & Homeschool
    • Faith & Family
    • Feel-Good Stories
    • Flourishing Marriage
    • Flourishing Womanhood
    • Food & Recipes
    • Food Additives
    • Garden & Homestead
    • Healthy Living
    • Herbs & Remedies
    • Holidays
    • Homemaking
    • My Favorite Products
    • News & Alerts
    • Parental Rights
    • Pharma & Vaccines
    • Play, Toys, & Movies
    • Raising Daughters
    • Raising Sons
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Popular Blog Topics
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Babies & Pregnancy
  • Beauty
  • Books & Booklists
  • Brain & Gut Health
  • Children at Home
  • COVID-19
  • Detoxing & TRS
  • DIY & Crafts
  • Education & Homeschool
  • Faith & Family
  • Feel-Good Stories
  • Flourishing Marriage
  • Flourishing Womanhood
  • Food & Recipes
  • Food Additives
  • Garden & Homestead
  • Healthy Living
  • Herbs & Remedies
  • Holidays
  • Homemaking
  • My Favorite Products
  • News And Alerts
  • Parenting / Parental Rights
  • Pharmaceutical Warnings
  • Play / Toys
  • Raising Daughters
  • Raising Sons
  • Popular This Week
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Getting ADHD to Bed: 8 Proven Tips for Bedtime & Quieter Nights

    11.1KViews Modified: Jan 29, 2025 · Published: May 13, 2019
    By Jacqueline 5 Comments

    2.7K shares
    • 2.0K

    Getting ADHD to Bed: 8 Proven Tips for Bedtime & Quieter Nights. A wiggly boy getting ready to sleep

    Getting a kid with ADHD to sleep at bedtime can be extremely challenging.

    Their mind and body may still be racing. One of my kids, in particular can have a real problem going to sleep at bedtime. He tells me “sleep is boring, Mom!.” For kids with ADD, the transition times can be difficult and bedtime certainly falls into that category. I have tried many, many tactics over the years to make going to bed and staying in bed easier. Here are 8 ways I have found to really help getting kids with ADHD to sleep.

    [I share this post by Beth Grushkin from FuzzyMama because we both want you and your children to thrive!]

    30 Tips for Parents
    Get your PDF: 30 Tips to Help Parents of Boys!

    Keep a consistent bedtime routine

    There is power in routine. When kids know what to expect, things are much more likely to go smoothly. We keep the same bedtime routine – and bed time- even on weekends, even on vacations. I make sure to begin our routine about 45 minutes before lights out, so nothing seems rushed.   It’s all hands on deck to help this go smoothly – my husband and I each take on some of the duties. We turn off all unnecessary lights as my kids shower, brush teeth and get in pjs. I love to get in some read aloud time  and then each kid gets a bit of time to read in their beds with a small book light.

    Get enough sleep

    Getting enough sleep is sooooo important. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9 to 12 hours for children ages 6 to 12.

    Sleep guidelines

    Sleep deprivation in kids has been linked to poor performance in school (less sleep can cause kids to be 1 to 2 grade levels behind), obesity, and a myriad of other health issues.

    My kids are early risers, no matter when they go to bed. As a result, we go to bed really early, with a lights off by 7:45 rule – even on weekends and vacations. For my kids their optimum amount is at least 10 hours. That said, we do have unavoidable special events that are increasing as my kids get older- boy scout meetings, band concerts, etc.  We limit those events as much as possible, with a later night happening no more than once a week.

    Try a weighted blanket

    Since ADHD is usually not just about hyperactivity, calming the sensory system often has a big payoff.  Weighted blankets put pressure on the big muscle groups, releasing serotonin to aid in the overall relaxation of the body. We have used a weighted blanket for about a year now with tremendous results. My son loves it and once underneath it, does not get out of bed!!  My son just said last night, “Mom, I used to hate going to bed, but now I see how relaxing it is.” Weighted blankets can be pricey, but considering how important sleep is, they are worth every penny!!

    weighted blankets

    Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime

    All screens emit blue light, which has been shown to disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm and it’s ability to produce melatonin. Make sure you turn off all screens a good hour, if not more, before bedtime. With older kids having to do homework on screens, this is becoming increasingly difficult for many families. We have a no screens after dinner rule, which works because my kids have little to no homework on a screen. We may have to tweak this as they get older.

    I just bought these blue light blocking glasses which we will try. My kids will be wearing them when the sun goes down to block out the blue light from screens and our fluorescent bulbs. I will let you know how that goes!  My husband and I will be wearing them, too!

    Take a Magnesium Supplement about an hour before bedtime

    magnesium to help calm down for sleep

    We are big on natural supplements and have worked to find a good regimen.  One of the most helpful supplements for relaxing is magnesium. I make sure my son takes it about an hour or so before bed(we had to find the sweet spot with some testing). The magnesium serves to slow him down and help with the transition to bedtime. Rubbing magnesium oil on the bottom of your child’s feet is a wonderful alternative for kids who are not old enough to swallow pills.

    If you take other supplements with magnesium in the morning, make sure you do not exceed the maximum daily dosage for your child. Also make sure your child is getting enough B6 to aid in the absorption of magnesium.

    We love this drink that has magnesium and B6! It’s pictured above and tastes as yummy as it looks!

    Darken the room as much as possible

    Like the blue light of a computer screen, even small amounts of compact fluorescent and LED light can upset the body’s circadian rhythm and it’s ability to produce sleep inducing melatonin.  We have black out shades and red nightlights in my kids’ bedrooms. My son usually needs the bathroom light on to calm nighttime fears, but as soon as he is asleep, I turn out all lights.

    Try simple deep breathing at bedtime

    Before I leave my son’s room for the night we do a few rounds of deep breathing.

    We vary our routine, but lately we breathe in for 3 counts, hold for 3 counts and breathe out in 5. Breathing out for longer than you breathe in seems to do the trick. In breaths quicken the heart rate, while out breaths slow it. This is a great technique to learn for a quick relaxer anytime.

    Modeling the behavior helps him learn the technique so that he is able to do it for himself.  Equipping him with as many tools as I can is my goal.

    Encourage relaxation

    It may be helpful to add some fun relaxing bits to your bedtime routine. A few days a week, I’ve been giving my oldest son lemon foot baths to soothe his senses and ground him in his body.  He LOVES these and it’s a nice way to do a little doting on him, too.

    If all of this seems a bit overwhelming pick one or two to try. Helping my kids get enough sleep is one of the best things I can do for their overall health and the well being of our family.

    I’d love to hear any ideas that help you get your kids to bed. We can all use some more tools in our toolbox!

    Vaccine E-Book
    Get your free copy of the Vital Vaccine Info E-Book

    Need More Help With ADHD?

    the author and her sonsWe love these ADHD breakfast ideas to fuel growing brains.

    Beth Grushkin is a Montessori teacher and Simplicity Parenting Coach raising two, tween boys with her husband outside Chicago. More comfortable off the beaten path, she started her blog Fuzzymama to chronicle her journey supporting two boys with ADHD. She is passionate about sharing her mostly natural approach to fight the puzzle that is ADHD in the hopes that she can help families find their own solutions for success.

    Jacqueline’s note: At our church, we have found sensory swings are great for kids who struggle with ADHD or high energy.  It does seem to make a difference!

    ***For the Full Spike Protein Protocol to protect from transmission from the “V” and to help those who took the “V”, go here.

    Deep Roots At Home now has a PODCAST! We are covering everything from vaccines, parenting topics, alternative medicine. Head over today and like, share and download a few episodes!

    I’d love to stay connected with you, and here is one way…

    bookmark or browser

    Censorship is real. My Pinterest account was suspended; surprisingly, part of my main board is still available through this link, and it scrolls down a long way so all is not lost!

    You can also find me on Instagram, MeWe, and Telegram.

    And please join me for my FREE newsletter. Click here.

    Getting ADHD to Bed: 8 Proven Tips for Bedtime & Quieter Nights. A 8-9 year old boy in bed

    ©2025 Deep Roots at Home • All Rights Reserved

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email
    « 8 Ways One Diet Soda A Day Does A Whole Lotta Harm
    Hummingbirds Dead: 4 Ways We Can Help & Not Harm Them »
    2.7K shares
    • 2.0K

    Related

    Hi! I’m Jacqueline!

    Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
    Welcome to my own little place on the internet! Home is where I love to be. I feel there is no greater place to incubate souls. These days you’ll find me using my experiences here to write about herbal remedies and natural health research — a big passion of mine. But being a wife and mother is not easy. It is challenging and potentially lonely. I get that. I wanted to create a place to connect with and support other moms for creating a natural, healthy, and fulfilling home life.
    Join the newsletter:

    Sent in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

    Footer

    About Deep Roots at Home

    What is Deep Roots at Home?
    Jacqueline’s Story
    Article Archives
    Contact
    Stay Updated

    Weekly updates on the topics that matter the most to you!

    Sent in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

    Get Phone Texting Updates

    Popular Posts This Week
    • “Awareful Prayerful” Videos Part #2

    • Who Are Casey & Calley Means & the Powers Behind Them?

    • What Causes Osteoporosis? It’s Different Than You think!

    • Treating Turbo Cancer by Dr. Makis: Dosing Ivermectin & Fenben

    Affiliate Disclosure  •  Medical Disclosure  •  Privacy Policy  •  Cookie Policy

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Website by Imperative Co.


    © 2006–2025 Deep Roots at Home • All Rights Reserved

    Manage Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}

    Get New Posts Texted Directly to Your Phone!

    Get New Posts Texted Directly to Your Phone!

    ¡Nos gustaría mantener en contacto! Y usted recibirá un obsequio importante de la temporada: “Cerebros Ambrientes y Escasa Atención En Los Niños” PDF imprimible.

    Spanish Boys Attention Spans

    Ver nuestra política de privacidad.


    ¡El PDF llegará a su buzón de entrada! ¡Usted recibirá 1 – 2 correos electrónicos al mes (incluyendo los regalos de temporada!) y puede cancelar su suscripción en cualquier momento. 

    Praying for newlyweds is perhaps the best gift we can give them! Receive this printable PDF: “31 Days of Praying Scripture for Newlyweds.” 

    Prayers for Husbands

    View our privacy policy.

    The PDF will arrive in your inbox! You’ll also get about 1-2 emails a month (including the seasonal freebies!) and can unsubscribe at any time.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “5 Easy, Homemade Remedies to Beat Coughs & Colds” printable PDF.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “5 Easy + Healthy Lifestyle Drinks” printable PDF.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup — with Easy Recipes!” printable PDF.

    Subscribe to Email Updates

    By adding your email address below, you agree to receive email updates from Deep Roots at Home. You’ll get 2-6 emails per month with info that we can’t share on social media and important updates. We may send occasional marketing / sales emails.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Treasured Old Books” printable guide.

    Get the printable ebook!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Dyslexia Tips” ebook from Sarah J. Brown.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Starving Brains & Poor Attention Spans in Boys: 30 Tips for Parents” printable PDF.

    Get your free ebook!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Vital Vaccine Info” printable e-book.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “31 Days of Praying Scripture for Newlyweds” printable guide.

    Get the freebie of the season!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “100 Wholehearted Books to Take Back the Culture” printable guide.