Sleep

by Fiona
(Buckinghamshire)

I have a six year old son who takes on average two hours to go to sleep each night. Once a sleep he sleeps well but is consequently late getting up for school each day. He struggles with school so good and enough sleep is essential to a positive day at school. We have tried lavender , warm baths,no TV, starting him earlier and earlier to get him to a reasonable time but changing his own body clock is a constant up hill struggle.




General medications used by other parents such as medised and phenergan have always had the opposite effect on my son who has sensory processing disorders. He dislikes being on his own and I frequently find myself every evening comforting to help him sleep. The medical profession think I am incompetent but i have invited parents, grandparents, aunties etc to help and he finds it difficult to switch off. Are there any other tips that anyone else has successfully tried?



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Sep 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Melatonine
by: Anonymous

My son is now 5 years old and his Doctor recommends us to give 1/2 melatonine, 30 minutes before he goes to bed, 6 times per week.. it works.. however he usually wake up in the midnight because he doesn't like to sleep by himself...
May 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		anon
by: Anonymous

is he an anxious child?
Apr 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		melatonin
by: Anonymous

Like you I have a six year old child with possible SPD who up until now took two hours to fall asleep each night. We started giving a very small dose (.75 mg) of melatonin before bed. This helps our child fall asleep right away. Our doctor said this is safe to use. However I read that in some countries melatonin is controlled or even illegal so I don't know it's available to you. Best of luck.
Mar 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Weighted Blanket
by: Anonymous

I used to be the same way as your child. It took me forever to get to sleep at night!! I found a weighted blanket that I absolutely LOVE! It has provided me with so much comfort, whether I'm sleeping or not. I have the minky fabric, which is super soft and comfortable. I've included the link down below.



http://www.beanblanket.com/
Mar 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sleep
by: Brandy

I have a 13yr son. He is the same way.No sleep.
I met a lady about a year age and she suggested
I try a weighted blanket.I wish you the best.
Mar 10, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		get another opinion
by: paulette etcheberry

My son has very weird patterns of sleep and we did not get any help by the "close the door leave him cry doctors" Instead, we tried Sears books and a more loving approach. He still doesn't go to bed alone but when he's tired we let him sleep on the couch and whenever we go he goes with us we usually have a sleeping bag or simply sleeps on the floor with a cover. Also you can read the The No-Cry Sleep Solution.

Anyway I will not lose hope and probably will send this incompetent people to get lost!
good luck sis
paulette

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