Why Your Child's Sleep Often Changes at the End of the School Year

As we head into the final few weeks of the summer term, I often hear from parents who are confused because their child's sleep suddenly seems to have gone backwards.

Children who have been settling well may suddenly start resisting bedtime.

Some begin waking in the night again.

Others are up earlier than usual or seem much more emotional and tired during the day.

If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone—and it's often much less about sleep itself than what's happening in your child's world.

Their brains are working overtime

While adults often focus on the excitement of the summer holidays, children are processing a huge amount of change.

Even the most confident child may be thinking about:

• Leaving a teacher they've grown to trust.

• Moving to a new classroom.

• Wondering who will be in their class next year.

• Changes in friendships.

• Worries about harder work or increased expectations.

• Starting a completely new school or nursery.

Many children can't always put these feelings into words. Instead, they show us through their behaviour—and sleep is often one of the first places we notice it.

When children experience uncertainty or heightened emotions, their bodies produce more stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones make it harder for the brain to switch into "sleep mode," even when they're physically exhausted.

What you might notice

During these final weeks of term, it's common to see:

😴 Bedtime resistance

😴 Taking longer to fall asleep

😴 Night waking

😴 Earlier mornings

😴 More nightmares

😴 Increased clinginess

😴 Bigger emotions and more meltdowns

None of these necessarily mean you've created "bad habits." More often than not, they're a sign that your child needs a little extra support while they navigate this transition.

How you can help

Here are a few simple ways to support both your child's emotional wellbeing and their sleep.

Keep routines consistent

When everything else feels uncertain, bedtime routines become even more important.

Aim to keep bedtime and wake-up times as consistent as possible during the final weeks of term.

Create space to talk

Children often open up when there's less pressure.

Try chatting while walking home from school, colouring together, or during bedtime stories.

Instead of asking, "How was school?" try questions like:

• What made you smile today?

• Is there anything you're wondering about next year?

• What are you excited about?

• Is there anything that feels a bit worrying?

Read books about transitions

Stories can help children understand that change is normal and that their feelings are shared by others.

Expect a little extra connection

If your child is asking for one more cuddle, one more story, or simply wants you close at bedtime, remember that connection is often exactly what helps their nervous system feel safe enough to sleep.

Don't rush to change everything

If sleep becomes unsettled for a week or two, avoid making lots of changes all at once.

Stay calm, stay consistent, and remember that this phase is usually temporary.

A little reassurance

If your child's sleep has become more challenging recently, please don't blame yourself.

The end of the school year is a big emotional transition, even if children don't always show it in obvious ways.

Sometimes the best thing we can offer isn't a brand-new sleep strategy—it's understanding, reassurance, and consistency.

A well-rested child is better able to manage big feelings, and a child who feels emotionally supported is much more likely to sleep well.

Wishing you a calm end to the school year and a wonderful summer with your family.

Warm wishes,

Phillippa