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We get this question all the time! “Why is my child bouncing off the walls before bed?!”
In this episode, we’re going to break down the WHY - why is your child bouncing off the walls before bed? Is it due to sensory seeking tendencies or is there something else going on?
Then we dive into tips and strategies that you can use during the day and right before bedtime! We talk about changing the lighting in the house, going outside, how to use proprioceptive input, why a visual schedule might be helpful, and more!
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What it Means to Meet the Sensory Threshold
Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking Child
As a parent, you’ve probably been there: it’s bedtime, and instead of winding down, your child seems to turn into a bouncing ball of energy. This common scenario can feel overwhelming, but understanding your child’s sensory needs might be the key to smoother evenings.
Children who seem overly energetic at bedtime are trying to meet their sensory needs. Children's sensory thresholds vary, and if their sensory needs aren't met during the day, their brain may signal, "I need more input to calm down!"
Unmet Sensory Needs: Your child might not have received enough movement or sensory input during the day, especially if sitting still in school, on screens, or traveling.
Sensory Seeking Behavior: Some children are sensory seekers, meaning they naturally crave more intense input than their peers.
Overtiredness: Paradoxically, being overtired can result in hyperactivity as the body fights to stay awake.
Often, parents jump straight to calming activities like dimming lights or reading books. While these are important, they’ll only work effectively if your child’s sensory needs have been met.
Here’s the trick: start with high-energy activities to help them reach their sensory threshold, then transition into calming strategies.
Activities to Try:
Obstacle courses
Jumping on a trampoline
Crawling or climbing exercises
Wrestling or roughhousing
Why It Helps: These activities provide proprioceptive (deep pressure) and vestibular (balance and movement) input, which help the body feel grounded.
Turtle crawl: Have your child carry a weighted object while crawling slowly.
Weighted blankets or compression sheets: These provide soothing deep pressure.
Deep Pressure: Gentle massage or joint compressions.
Reduce Screen Time: Avoid screens at least two hours before bedtime. The blue light can delay melatonin release.
Lower the Lights: Use dim lighting or switch to red or soft bulbs.
Add Calming Elements: Try diffusing essential oils (like lavender) or playing soft music.
Use Visual Schedules: A visual schedule helps children understand what’s coming next, reducing anxiety about transitions.
Pre-Bedtime Rituals:
Evening walks, even in cooler weather, signal the body to wind down.
A warm bath with calming scents like lavender.
Quiet storytime or deep-pressure activities.
Weighted stuffed animals or blankets can help children feel secure and calm.
Ensure your child’s room is cool, dark, and free of distractions.
Jumping straight to calming activities without meeting sensory needs may lead to resistance.
Avoid unstructured, high-energy play right before bed. Instead, focus on organized activities with clear limits.
Inconsistent Routines
Predictability is crucial for children to feel secure and relaxed at bedtime.
Understanding your child’s sensory needs is the first step to turning chaotic bedtimes into a peaceful routine. Balancing high-intensity sensory activities with calming strategies can help your child feel more regulated and ready for sleep.
Remember, every child is unique, so take the time to discover what works best for your family.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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