How to Help Your Kids Sleep After Halloween: Expert Tips from Amanda Jewson

Halloween is exciting – costumes, candy, and chaos all rolled into one. But once the fun ends, bedtime can feel like a horror show of its own. As a Registered Social Worker Sleep Consultant based in Toronto, Amanda Jewson recently shared her top strategies for keeping Halloween fun and sleep-friendly.

Here’s how to help your little monsters wind down after the big night.

1. Set Candy Boundaries Before the Sugar Hits

Don’t wait until your child is surrounded by chocolate to start negotiating. Talk about limits ahead of time — how many pieces they can enjoy that night, and where the rest will go.
Amanda suggests a simple “Night One Bin”: let kids pick their top five or ten favourites to enjoy on Halloween night, then save the rest for later. Clear expectations mean fewer meltdowns once the sugar rush kicks in.

2. Add Calming Foods and Drinks

Instead of taking candy away, add something soothing.
A warm glass of milk before bed really does help — it contains tryptophan and magnesium, both known to promote relaxation. For kids who don’t love milk, try mild chamomile tea (it’s gentle on digestion and has natural calming properties). Even a small ritual like this helps signal bedtime after all the excitement.

3. Use Sleep-Safe Lighting

Some kids get spooked by Halloween sights or just need extra comfort after a big night out. If they’re asking for a night-light, that’s okay — just make sure it’s red, orange, or yellow.
These warmer tones are melatonin-friendly and can even help promote sleepiness. Amanda recommends smart lights that can shift from bright to warm tones at bedtime.

4. Move the Energy Out

Sometimes kids are too wound up to sleep — especially after a sugar-filled evening. Try a gentle bedtime yoga or stretching routine to help them burn off that “buzzy” energy.
A quick online video or some playful “monster yoga” can get them laughing and moving before winding down.

5. Make Bedtime Fun Again

After trick-or-treating, no one wants to take off their costume. Amanda’s trick: make the transition easier with glow-in-the-dark pajamas. They feel special, keep the fun going, and help lure kids into bed without a fight.

6. Keep Perspective (and Enjoy It)

Halloween is supposed to be fun. A later bedtime once a year won’t undo good sleep habits. What matters most is setting expectations, staying calm, and helping your child come back to their regular rhythm the next day.

If bedtime battles linger beyond the holidays, professional support can help. The team at Baby’s Best Sleep offers insurance-covered sleep consulting with Registered Social Workers across Toronto and the GTA.

Watch Amanda’s full Halloween segment above for more of her practical, science-backed tips — and have a happy, well-rested Halloween!