Why Bedtime Is a Battle for ADHD and Anxious Kids | Nervous System Regulation | E415
About this episode
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge discusses the reasons behind bedtime battles for ADHD and anxious kids, emphasizing the role of a dysregulated nervous system.
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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge
Topics covered
- bedtime struggles
- ADHD
- anxiety
- nervous system regulation
- emotional regulation
- parenting strategies
Keywords
- bedtime
- ADHD
- anxiety
- nervous system
- emotional regulation
- parenting
- dysregulation
More episodes of Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Dysregulated Kids: Science-Backed Parenting Help for Behavior, Anxiety, ADHD and More podcast page.