#406 - Why Your Child Needs MORE Movement Before Bed (Sleep Tips for Sensory Seekers)

If your child seems to get a burst of energy right before bed, asks for one more hug, one more drink, or one more lap around the house, it can feel confusing and exhausting. In this episode, we’re breaking down what might really be going on, especially for kids who are sensory seekers. We talk about what it means to have a high sensory threshold and why some kids need more movement, pressure, and input throughout the day to feel regulated. For many of these kids, bedtime isn’t a behavior issue. It’s a nervous system that hasn’t met its sensory needs yet. As the day winds down and the environment gets quieter, their bodies may actually feel more dysregulated, not less. We walk through why this happens, including challenges with body awareness, recognizing tired cues, and the difference between being overtired and under-regulated. We also share some of the most common mistakes we see at bedtime, like expecting kids to go from high energy to completely calm, removing movement too early, or relying on screens to help them wind down. Most importantly, we talk about what actually helps. From adding heavy work before bed, to using deep pressure and creating a predictable wind-down routine, to giving your child a small “top-off” of sensory input right before sleep. These strategies are simple, practical, and designed to work with your child’s nervous system instead of against it. We also touch on when sleep struggles might be connected to something more, like medical or regulation-related challenges, and when it might be helpful to seek additional support. If bedtime has been a struggle in your home, this episode is here to help you understand your child in a new way and give you a few simple things to try this week. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode gave you a new perspective on bedtime, share it with a parent who’s in the thick of it right now. We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - Calming Music Amanda Mentions Best Part Multivitamin Enter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway & Shop Our Sale! All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram Harkla Website Harkla YouTube ​​ Harkla Instagram Harkla Digital Courses

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#406 - Why Your Child Needs MORE Movement Before Bed (Sleep Tips for Sensory Seekers) is an episode from All Things Sensory by Harkla by Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L.

This episode is 00:23:54 long.

This episode was published on Apr 29, 2026.

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