04/21/2026
Many parents have experienced this moment. Your child seemed tired all evening, you start the bedtime routine…and suddenly they’re bouncing off the walls. 🤪
They’re running around, getting extra silly, or talking nonstop right when you expected them to start winding down. In many cases, this burst of energy is actually a sign that the nervous system has become overtired. 😴
When kids go past their natural sleep window, the body may release stress hormones like cortisol to help them push through the fatigue. Instead of looking sleepy, the nervous system temporarily shifts into a more alert state.
It may look something like:
-seeming tired earlier…then suddenly wide awake at bedtime
-asking for “one more thing” over and over (another book, snack, hug, etc.)
-suddenly becoming very playful or chatty right before bed
-becoming more emotional or easily frustrated
-turning bedtime into a mini gymnastics session - spinning, rolling, or laying upside down on the bed
A full day of sensory input from school, activities, noise, and movement can also make it harder for the nervous system to fully settle at night. 🌙
Chiropractic care helps support a more settled and regulated nervous system, especially after a full day of input. 🤍 As the nervous system becomes more regulated, many families notice smoother bedtime transitions and kids who settle more easily into sleep!
