19/08/2026
Does your child show signs of anxiety at bedtime and struggle to sleep?
Children’s imaginations are incredibly vivid. When bedtime approaches, the quiet environment can sometimes give a worried mind more intense focus, turning small thoughts into big anxieties.
Then the anticipation of 'not being able to sleep' often creates a feedback loop of stress, making it even harder for the body to settle down.
A few gentle strategies that might help ease that bedtime tension:
Focus on 'Resting' Instead of 'Sleeping': Reframe the goal of bedtime. When children worry about falling asleep, it creates performance pressure. Remind them that their body and mind benefit just from lying comfortably, relaxing, and resting quietly—sleep will take care of itself when it's ready.
A 'Worry Dump' Earlier in the Evening: Try setting aside 5–10 minutes during the afternoon or early evening (well before bed) to write or draw any worries in a notebook, then close it and put it away. This helps the brain process thoughts so they don't all resurface right when their head hits the pillow.
Calming Visualisation / Breathing: Gentle breathing exercises (like 'box breathing' or blowing imaginary bubbles) combined with imagining a favourite, safe place can help switch their nervous system out of 'fight-or-flight' mode and into a calm state.
(As a solution-focused hypnotherapist, this is actually something I see quite often in my practice. We focus on helping young minds relax, reframe those anxious night-time thoughts, and build confidence in their own ability to settle down—often using gentle guided relaxation and positive visualisation techniques that kids usually really enjoy.)
Every child is different, but hopefully, shifting the focus away from the pressure of sleep helps lower the anxiety a bit.
If you would like a completely FREE fuller explanation please contact me via my website:
Mirellahypnotherapy.com
