Episode Details

The reason why bedtime is a battle for ADHD and anxious kids often shows up as chaos—but it’s really a dysregulated nervous system. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, expert in Regulation First Parenting™, shares how to calm the brain and support lasting emotional regulation.

Bedtime shouldn’t feel like a nightly battle—but for so many families, it does. When your child is exhausted yet suddenly wired, it’s confusing and draining. You’re not alone. And more importantly, this isn’t defiance—it’s dysregulation.

In this episode, you’ll learn why bedtime struggles happen, what’s really going on in your child’s nervous system, and how to create calm with simple, doable shifts that actually work.

Why does my child get hyper at bedtime instead of sleepy?

It seems backwards, right? Your child is yawning all afternoon… then suddenly bouncing off the walls at night.

Here’s what’s really happening: their nervous system has been “on” all day. By bedtime, it doesn’t calmly wind down—it releases built-up stress.

• ADHD kids may show bursts of energy or restlessness
• Anxious kids may experience racing thoughts or worry loops
• All kids can hit a “second wind” from being overtired

It’s not bad behavior—it’s a dysregulated brain.

Real-life example:

Your child looks exhausted after school, but the moment you say “time for bed,” they suddenly need a snack, a hug, and 10 more questions. Then… meltdown.

Why does my child fight bedtime every night?

When kids resist bedtime, it’s easy to think they’re stalling. But behavior is communication.

What looks like resistance is often a struggle with transition—moving from “go-go-go” mode to calm.

• Bedtime requires shifting from activation → regulation
• Dysregulated kids can’t easily switch gears
• The quieter it gets, the louder their internal state becomes

Bottom line: your child isn’t fighting sleep—they’re struggling to get there.

🗣️ “Your child isn’t fighting bedtime… they’re struggling with that transition into regulation.”— Dr. Roseann

How can I calm my child’s nervous system before bed?

Let’s calm the brain first—because no sleep happens without it.

Most families go from full activity straight to bed. That’s too abrupt for a sensitive nervous system. Instead, build a bridge into bedtime.

Try this:

• Dim the lights to cue the brain it’s time to slow down
• Use quieter voices and slower movement
• Add 10–15 minutes of calming activities like:
• Reading together
• Stretching or gentle yoga
• Drawing or quiet play

These small shifts signal safety—and help the brain transition.

When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless.

The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control.

Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.

What should I do when my child gets a second wind at night?

That burst of silliness or energy? It’s not misbehavior—it’s adrenaline from being overtired.

Instead of reacting, reframe and resp