Hyperactivity Before Bedtime

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October 13, 2025

Hyperactivity Before Bedtime

When children seem most energetic right before bed, it’s not defiance—It’s their brain’s way of saying, ‘I’ve had enough.’

Parents often wonder why bedtime brings a burst of energy instead of yawns. The truth is, when children become overtired or overstimulated, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline—chemicals meant to keep them alert, not asleep. Montessori educators recognize this as a signal that the child’s natural rhythm has been disrupted. Here, we’ll explore what neuroscience reveals about this nighttime energy surge and how calm, predictable routines help children regulate their emotions and prepare for peaceful sleep.

The Neuroscience Behind Bedtime Hyperactivity

According to research published in Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology and Sleep Medicine Reviews, when children pass the optimal window for rest, the brain’s HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system) activates—flooding the body with cortisol and delaying the onset of melatonin, the hormone that helps the body prepare for sleep.

These hormonal changes are part of the body’s natural stress response—the same system that helps children cope with excitement, anxiety, or overstimulation. The result? Their brain becomes more alert, not less, right when they need rest most.

Why Routine and Connection Matter

Research shows that a consistent bedtime routine improves sleep onset and reduces night wakings in young children (Mindell et al., 2015). Elevated evening cortisol and HPA-axis activation can delay sleep and increase nighttime arousal (Buckley & Schatzberg, 2005), and sleep-stress interactions are well documented in reviews of pediatric sleep and physiology (Hirotsu et al., 2015). For more on light, melatonin, and cortisol timing, see Rahman et al. (2019).

In Montessori education, we emphasize rhythm and order for this very reason. A consistent and peaceful end to the day helps the nervous system shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and restore.”

Simple Ways to Support a Calmer Bedtime

Start wind-down earlier than you think you need to—before overtiredness sets in.
Dim the lights and limit blue light exposure an hour before bed. (Bright light suppresses melatonin and signals the brain to stay alert.)
Offering connection before routine, such as reading a story, cuddling, or quiet reflection, gives the brain the safety cue it’s looking for.
It’s also important to keep transitions predictable. When children know what’s next, cortisol stays low and sleep comes more easily.

The Takeaway

So next time bedtime feels like a whirlwind, remember—it’s not defiance, it’s biology. When we respond with calm consistency, warmth, and connection, we help our children’s brains and bodies learn how to rest peacefully.

Parents Often Also Ask…

1Why does my child get hyper before bedtime?
When kids become overtired, their stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) rise instead of fall, giving them a second wind just when their bodies need rest.
2What happens in the brain when kids are overtired?
The body’s sleep-wake system goes out of sync. The brain’s arousal network stays active, and the calming neurotransmitters that help transition to sleep can’t do their job.
3Why do tired kids act silly or wild instead of sleepy?
Their brains are trying to regulate too much stimulation. The “wildness” is often a coping mechanism for fatigue and overstimulation.
4How can I help my child calm down before bed?
Create a predictable routine that includes connection (reading, talking, cuddling), lower lights, and quiet time—these cues help the nervous system shift toward rest.
5What bedtime routines actually work for preschoolers?
Simple, consistent, and calm ones. Repeating the same 3–4 steps nightly—bath, story, snuggle, lights out—signals the body that it’s time to sleep.
La Jolla Montessori School

Nurturing calm minds, joyful hearts, and the science of peaceful growth.

You can learn more about Montessori materials and our approach to hands-on learning on our website:
👉 La Jolla Montessori School – Primary Program (Ages 3–6)

This topic was inspired by @readysetparent

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