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Sleep issues

Samanthastepmom12's picture

SS13 was never a great sleeper at BM but never had a issue at our house till about three months ago. BM gives him Benadryl or melatonin before bed but lately that has not been working. DH never gave SS anything to sleep at our house. 

lately SS gets up at our house dragging. SS would sleep till noon or later if we let him. 
 

Now SS goes to bed about two hours later at our house so this could be the reason SS never had a issue sleeping at our house.
 

The problem SS is having is falling asleep. It takes him between 1 to 2 hours once he gets into bed to fall asleep. Also it does not mater if SS goes to bed at midnight he will still just lay in bed till 2am. 
 

There is NO tv/phone/ video games in SS room so we know he's not up doing those things. It's very quiet in our house so that's not it either. Now once SS falls asleep he's good it's just getting there. 
 

Anyone else have a kid that has a hard time falling asleep? Reasons why a kids SS age would have this problem?

 

 

Rumplestiltskin's picture

If he is getting Benadryl or melatonin before bed every night at BMs, depending on what percentage of time he spends there, he may be dependent on it to sleep. I once knew a woman who took Benadryl to sleep every night and after 5 years, she was up to 10 tablets a night. She built up a tolerance and it took more and more. 

BethAnne's picture

When I can't sleep it is usually because my brain is still working. Happens most often when I am stressed about something. 

tog redux's picture

Anxiety and depression can cause sleep issues. Considering he's also a super picky eater, anxiety is quite possible.

beebeel's picture

So, I've struggled with anxiety my whole life and this is a common aspect of that. A fan helps if the house is super quiet. Also, he should be going to bed at the same time every night. Routine is super important. Why does his bedtime vary so much between the homes?

Therapy was essential during the worst of it. And if she's drugging him up with allergy meds and unproven dietary supplements anyhow, you might as well get him a therapist and discuss sleep aids that are actually designed and meant to treat sleep problems.

SteppedOut's picture

This should be discussed with a doctor. A sleep study may or may not be needed. He could have a hormonal imbalance that is causing problems with his circadian rhythm.

Harry's picture

You should have a set things at night .  Dinner. Then at a certain time  Some relaxing activities for a hour. Reading, or   Something. Not exciting video games.  Then bed at a certain timed.  White noise machine to cover any house noise. 
That it, SS goes to bed and stay there.  He gets up at 7 AM.  

Samanthastepmom12's picture

Questions.

SS is in therapy for a number of other issues and BM has brought up the sleep problem a number of times. The Psychiatrist is the one that recommended the melatonin to be in with. Now it's not working so he's Recommending a slow releasing longer acting one. 
 

Does not mater if SS goes to sleep at 7pm or 12 am he still takes two hours to fall asleep. He never comes out of his room how we knew he was having problems is he's always telling us he's tired. When asked how he slept SS will say not good and that he took two hours to fall asleep. 

 

 

Winterglow's picture

You say there are no screens in his room to distract him. OK, but he shouldn't have access to any (phone and TV included) for at least an hour before going to bed. Does he read before going to bed? It might be a good idea to start if he doesn't.