11 Plus Exams Forum

Yup my DD is now having trouble sleeping .... 11 pm last night and understandably tired today.

Anyone got any top tips???

We're going for relaxing bath, mini massage, favourite book....lights out neither early or late....

Fascinating that Im seeing all my friends with DS complain that their DS aren't anxious enough - and those with DD that they are too anxious!

I remember when they were babies, the older generation always advocated a drop of the hard stuff in their milk!!
I have a DD prone to sleepless nights when she's anxious too. I am going for as much normality as possible, maybe throw in a walk after dinner? Also I plan to tell her it won't make a jot of difference if she has no sleep, thankfully her exams are in the mornings and so am sure adrenaline will carry her through.
I think we will all need to lie in a darkened room after this is over....

DS got a back massage with almond oil yesterday and a buble bath! I called him Sha of Persia

Go for a walk, the cold damp air and darkness will soon convince their animal instincts it is sleepy time. When they get home no use of phones/tablets/laptops/tvs/etc, books are ok in low lighting. Failing that, the threat of another walk often produces the required tired response.

No screens from about 7pm onwards. Warm bath, early bed and let him read. If he's feeling queasy from exam nerves I let him have a travel sickness pill which gets rid of the nausea and has a side effect of drowsiness.

Also I lay out everything: clothes, polished shoes etc, heat the house and get myself ready to go before waking all DC, so they can sleep later in the morning, then wake them gently, take breakfast orders and make food before they come downstairs. From bed to car in 20 mins.

(Er, this is just for exam days. Obviously on normal days they are up at dawn scrubbing the stone flagged floors with cold water. )

DD always falls asleep very easily whilst listening to Relax Kids CDs, full of positive affirmations and messages. There are various different CDs to choose from.

There are also some foods that are said to help

http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_hea ... eep?page=3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Personally I love reflexology, a little foot massage is incredibly relaxing (if you're not ticklish) with some lovely lavender balm.

After all that my dd went to sleep just fine last night after a little chat. I, on the other hand, was awake for hours! She's in the exam now, hope all is goes well for her.....

Good luck all. My DD should have finished her exam now. Will just have to wait for results. Less pressure here as its only the move from junior to senior and I would expect to have been told before now if she wasn't going to get in, plus it is plan B. still nerve racking though. Scholarship viva tomorrow then we are done and just waiting.

Delighted to say that baths with Epsom Salts, gentle massage and LONG reading of favourite book before bedtime seem to be doing the trick.....Exams also seem to be going okay and confidence built by being half way through.

That said though, DD has set her heart on one school who's exam is on Tues - so all strategies will be put in place pre that one!!!

That's good news loveyouradvice. Hope all goes well next week. Just next Friday for us.