Sleeping Problem

I would check with a doctor. My husband and 20 year old son take Melatonin tablets to help with that problem. You buy it from the vitamin section near the pharmacy.
~ Tess

I have a friend with a very active 5 year old daughter. They had been having trouble getting her to sleep at night and started her on a low dose of melatonin. It's an over the counter natural supplement that helps you wind down and relax, therefore making it easier to fall asleep. It is not a drug, it is all natural. She said the results have been great, and her daughter has been falling asleep by 8:00 or 8:30 every night and waking up without any fights. Hope this helps!
L. D.

I have a 12 year old son who had the same problem. Give him melatonin. It's found with the vitamins and has the added benefit of boosting his immune system. A lot of people use it to get their body clock re-set after a long trip when they have jet-lag. If you're nervous about giving him pills, go online and research melatonin for yourself and see if it's something you'd like to try. My son takes it about a half hour before bedtime.

I have always had problems falling asleep and staying asleep since I was a little girl. I would get out of bed in the middle of the night to tell my parents that I still hadn't been able to fall asleep. When I was in my teens, I had a chiropractor suggest taking Valerian root. It's an herbal supplement that can be found in most vitamin and herb sections. It is the herb that Valium is made out of, but this is all natural and non-addictive. It was a god-send! I use it in place of sleeping pills and it works great. I get to sleep and I don't have the hangover effect that most sleeping pills leave behind the next morning. I only take a couple of capsules at night when I'm having trouble falling asleep.

Our whole family uses Quietude, by Boiron, a homeopathic remedy that works !!!(My baby is 15.) It will be at the health food store.
Also I discovered that teenagers like talking at night. That's when they unwind from their day. Maybe it would be good to find out what is on your child's mind so that he cannot sleep. Sharing more time with parents is what kids young and old say they want most. Sweet dreams !

Hi C.!

I to in friends children and my exhusbands daughters.... We had her on all natural sleep aides that helped. I see it more and mre in children this age. So either ask your doctor or go to a health store. Good luck!

Srah W

My son was a virtual night owl and had problems falling alseep also. But once he went it was hard. They said it was from the fact that my exhusband worked nights and I'd be up during pregnancy all night. BUT what I found got him in a routine was working him out. Like if his bedtime should be 9pm, then do a semi bootcamp routine, with running and cardio for about an hour. It's a win win, he gets better health, tires him out and then if you do it with him you get some exercise too. Then have him take a hot shower and get right in the bed. He will go straight to sleep. My son would have football practice from 6:30-8 and then eat, shower, get in the bed by 9:30 and go straight to sleep.

Dear C.
You may need to take your son to see a sleep therapist. Sleep is very important for a child's development and lack of it not to be taken lightly.
These days, it seems to be a common problem even with adults and young babies - I have a feeling we have too much stimulation with television, computers, CD's always playing even in the background when shopping there is loud music.
If you have exhausted all avenues, the best thing to do would be to see your gp with a view to seeing a sleep therapist.
In any case, I suppose you have already been advised to avoid all stimulation before bedtime, to establish a soothing bedtime routine (perhaps he could listen to nature sounds on a CD as he falls asleep), give him a nightlight as he could be fearful of the dark (but don't make a big thing about it since he is 12 he may resent this or see it as fussing), ensure he is comfortable, clean, warm and has had enough to eat and drink throughout the day and evening, finishing with a mug of warm milk and a calcium supplement. See that he goes to bed at the same time every night in a peaceful place all his own, free from distractions from his siblings.
I wish you all the very best
Kind regards
Jewel

Have you tried Melitonin? My grandsons take it. Their doctor suggested it. One is 15 one is 9(austic) They take one 30 minutes before bed time and it does help. I have used it also. It comes in several strengths. If you try this, start him out with 1 pill and if that doesn't work step it up to 2. If you are concerned, ask the pharmists or your doctor. Most would rather use that than perscription drugs. You can also try benedril allergy. My doctor put me on that to get my sleep pattern back in line. Hope this helps.

Hi C., I agree with other responses that you should have see a doctor first. If there is nothing medical going on, you might want to look at his activities and possible anxiety. I am a child/family psychologist and one thing I suggest to people having problems sleeping due to racing thoughts at night is to keep a journal. Before bed he can write down everything that is on his mind with the hope that this will free his mind from obsessing about it while he goes to sleep. This of course may not at all be the reason for his lack of sleep. The key is going to be figuring out why he isn't sleeping. I would be happy to talk to you more about it. You can visit my website for my contact info if you would like to call for a free consult.

www.evemerrill.com

I have four kids and I have gone through this more than one time. They get stressed and nervous or just overwehlmed with life and thier mind is racing at night. When they finally lay down thier haed they think about everything. It is a big age for your child and I am sure there is so much going on with just growing up that he is trying to figure out.

Try getting him a CD to listen to that is calming. Take a warm bath , read for 30 minutes before bed, I know all of my kids go to thier rooms 30 minutes before bed time and they all read. They say it is "quiet time" and it helps they calm down and relax before they actually lay down to go to bed. Hope this helps.

K. Haynes
The MOM Team
Moms Helping Others Work From Home
www.mykidsaremyeverything.com

Have you tried giving him a glass of milk, I dont know for sure it this works but I was told this was good for people who have a hard time falling asleep.you may want to give it a try.

Margaret....

I wonder since you have tried no caffine or sugar before bed if it could be something else, maybe he has a reaction to some types of dyes. I know I have had friends that cannot have foods or drinks with red dye or blue dyes. If it is feasable I would take him to an allergy specialist or to the pediatrician. There might be something else going on; especially with the onset of the headaches.

Yoga or Pilates. You should be able to pick a video up from the local library to 'try it before you buy it'. It's not easy when you start but as you get better it gets easier. It's great for winding down and worth a shot!

Best wishes!

How about trying a family jog b4 dinner or right after dinner. Have him run a mile or 1/2 a mile, depending on his stamina. Maybe you can enlist his older brother for help and have it be a challenge or a competition. Running generally helps to clear the mind and calms the body. When he gets home have him take a hot shower or bath. I would suggest a book, but I remember myself at that age and books can actually encourage you to not fall asleep bc you want to know the ending.

I know this sounds strange but try a cold shower right before bed time. It's been known to take all the heat to the core of the body and as the heat is release back to the body it relaxes you. Hope you find your answer soon!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to give my daughter head massages to help her relax enough to get to sleep. He is old enough to use Tylenol PM. My dr prescribed it to me and it just slows my brain down a little bit and helps me not stress about all the things I have going on. It is very mild and has no morning groggyness or any adverse side effects for me. Also make sure he is not watching TV or using the computer before bed. His eyes may by sensitive to the quick flickering of the picture which may overstimulate him. Good Luck.

You might try Lavendar Vanilla Pillow Mist from Bath and Body Works. It's a very calming scent that you mist on sheets and pillows. As you lay on your pillow you inhale the lavender and in return you sleep better. I've used it in my son's bed since he was an infant (he's 4 now) He sleeps great!! Good Luck!!

C.,

How active is your son? Are there other situations that are producing high stress for him? 12 is a tough age for anyone. If you don't know of any other contributing factors, have you checked with your son's doctor? I'd certainly start there.

My son is 22 and has had severe sleep problems since he was about 16. As it turns out, he's been diagnosed with a-typical bi-polar disorder; perfectly able to navigate life except for this unfortunate disorder of sleep diffulties. One of the things that I know for sure has to happen is a consistent routine in terms of going to bed. My son does take a sleep medication, and I know a consistent routine is key. He's in college, so I guess he'll figure that part out later, but your son is young enough that perhaps you could help him in terms of routine. Doctor first, though.

Betty

My son has a clock radio that plays different sounds from nature. A trickling brook, ocean waves etc...White noise pretty much. He says it's very calming to him. I also lay in bed with my son usually for about 15-30 minutes. We just talk about the day. Sometimes I rub his back. My son is 12 also. It can be a stressful age for them with school and peer preasure.

Good luck

N.

I would recomend taking him to a Doctor and having him put him on a sleep aid. My Grandson has to take medication to help him sleep or else he is up nearly all night.He is 13 years old. It does affect their school work and behaviour so it is important that he sees a Doctor.

C.,
My daughter recently had trouble falling and staying asleep. She is 10. She also suffered from headaches. The original sleep issues stemmed from a recent auto accident. One of our physicians recommended Melatonin supplement. It is an over the counter supplement and he prescribed 3 mg about two hours before bed. It is something the body makes normally and may be a good alternative before trying anything else. When my daughter tried it, she said she needed to go to sleep within about 45 minutes after taking it.
The physician explained that when the bodies natural melatonin drops, it can cause headaches, the headaches cause a lack of sleep and the lack of sleep can contribute to a further drop in meletonin and a cycle begins. If the sleep distruption is relatively new, don't rule out depression either, as that can be one of the signs. I suggest you talk to your own physician about the meltonin. Our physician recommended a full month before expecting that her body had recouped her normal levels, but we saw a bid difference within the first two weeks.
Best of luck
M. T.

What's he eating before bed? if he is eating anything hard to digest, that could be the problem. All through my teen years I would eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before bed (didn't like to go to bed hungry). well I used to have terrible night mares and would be afraid to go to sleep! nuts are very hard to digest and should only be eaten fairly early in the day. also you might check for food allergy's for the headaches. does he eat or drink anything with red dye in it? if not start checking for wheat, corn, etc. have him turn off the tv an hour before bed, for some people the lights from the computer, tv or even a digital alarm clock are enough to disturb or prevent sleep. there is a solution to the problem, you just have to experiment to find the culprit and correct it. best of luck!

If all those ideas below fail, I would check his thyroid. I have hyperthyroidism and it causes me to go through bouts of insomnia. I have had it forever. I have other symptoms too, but insomnia is definately one of them. Just another idea, sometimes kids just can't go to sleep.

Can you allow music to play sofly? I am 35 and still need some noise, the tv or radio, to fall asleep. If it is quiet, I toss and turn for hours and just can't sleep. Maybe have him shower in the evenings, too. This is relaxing and tends to make me sleep better. I don't know if there are sleeping pills a 12 year old can safely take, but if it is that bad, ask the ped. for advice.

Hi there,
Does he drink plenty of water along with no caffeine and no sugar?
Also have you tried lavandar oil? I only recommend Young Living oil because I know it is of the highest quality and totally pure. Anyway you can try others but may not get the results you want.
A few drops on a pillow, a couple on the soles of the feet, and a little in a hot bath before bedtime - any one or all of these can make a remendous difference.
Also does he watch any television before going to bed? Or play video games? Research has shown both of these activities to have an effect on sleeping.
Love,
Z

Hello C.,
Has your seemed anxious when it gets quiet at night? I too have a hard time falling asleep. I have bipolar disorder and when things get quiet my mind gets loud. Trouble falling asleep can be a sign of depression or anxiety. It can also be a sign that something is bothering him in school... perhaps an anxiety for the coming day. May I suggest a talk therapy? I truly hope you can find the answers so that you both can get a great night sleep! :) Have a wonderful day!
B.

Melatonin might work, though it is usually discouraged in people under 40 or 50 years old (because there's a concern that the body will stop producing it naturally if you supplement it). Talk to your doctor about using Valerian. It's a calming agent, used for insomnia, high blood pressure, general need to relax. I prefer the drops because the capsules smell awful. If you go to Whole Foods, someone there can give you more information about it and maybe give you more/better natural ideas for helping your son rest. Meanwhile, continue with the no caffeine and no sugar.

I would eliminate TV, computer and video games two hours before bed. Also try a warm bath/shower (bath is better but a 12 year
old boy might not agree :-) before bed. Also try to make sure
he gets at least an hour of physical activity between school and bed and that he doesn't eat within a couple hours of bed time.

C.
mom to six

Hi...I also have a problem falling asleep, I think mine is due to my husband working nights for 10 yrs. But my oldest Grandson has the same problem, as did my daughter. My doctor suggested I go to a sleep center, but haven't. I also fall asleep sometimes during the day. I'd have him checked out for a sleep disorder, he's young enough to turn this around. Maybe he's just a night person. I had a son who was up at 6am everyday time he was 6 months old and a daughter who never got to sleep before midnight from day 1. L.

A wonderful drink to assist him in going to sleep:
1 cup warm milk
1 tsp honey
1 drop of vanilla

drink 1/2 hour before bedtime then no tv, computer or any other led light device. Maybe a book or a foot rub while relaxing in bed!

When he does fall asleep, does he snore? You might want to talk to your doctor about sleep apnea. My husband had problems sleeping too, and it's because of the apnea...he wasn't getting enough oxygen. He would even fall asleep while driving! Please talk to your doctor asap.

C.,
My nephew had similar problems, but is much younger. My sister found that the afternoons that he was much more active, instead of sedentary with tv, games, etc., he fell asleep faster and slept better, feeling better the next day. They eliminated x-box and movies in the late afternoon to evening and his sleep pattern changed. He is a very motivated kid, meaning that whatever he does he puts all his attention there. When playing x-box, etc his mind was very stimulated and we think it kept him awake longer. He loves playing outside now, which he didn't before. He preferred building legos, x-box, and tv over any active activity. He is so precise with his legos that if a piece wasn't put in just right or in the wrong container he would not go to sleep until he fixed it. He does not have that problem anymore, and still plays with legos, x-box etc but in moderation. I hope this helps!
M. J
____@____.com

I used to have a hard time falling asleep too until I read somewhere to turn off the TV, computer, game systems ect. at least 1 hour before bedtime. I used to watch TV until bedtime or play games on the computer. I no longer do this and falling asleep has become much easier. I don't know if this would apply to your son at all but it is worth a try.

Others may already have recommended it, but I bet the book Sleepless in America would help -- she has a lot of very specific information about helping kids, and whole families, get and stay on a healthy sleep schedule.

Good luck!
M.

Sometimes a sleeping problem can be a sign of depression. You might consider this because it can be treated whether it is situational or due to an imbalance.

Hi C.,

It sounds like allergies maybe.
My Daughter has them, her Dr. approved Dimetapp Cold and Allergy daily.
Maybe try this at night.

C.,

Have you talked with him about what is keeping him awake? Sometimes children's minds race (just like ours) about whatever they have going on at school, home or with friends. Sometimes it is worse for them because they tend to really "live in the moment" and can not see past whatever is on their mind. Talking him through his ideas may help him settle them. Also, establishing a LONG and GRADUAL bedtime routine. Somtimes writing things down will help put the ideas to rest also, because their some reconcilliation that they can pick them right up in the morning. Reading always makes my son sleepy, you just have to make sure it's not a stimulating book.

Hope this helps!
B.

What about "sleepy time" tea? It's got chamomile and lavender which is a relaxin. Me personaly when I have trouble sleeping I drink coffee. It actually helps me sleep. Is he in pain before going to bed? Maybe give him a little pain med to help with sleep.

another supplement you might want to try is magnesium... naturally calms down everything. does he have anxiety associated with falling asleep? i have dealt with this, panic attacks, etc, and it is no fun. also, he may be trying to keep up with the older siblings... but the magnesium, usually paired with calcium, is fantastic. go to a wholefoods or something and get some help finding the purest and most easily digested form. it will help.

Have him to drink a glass of milk before going to bed.

Melatonin can help so he will fall asleep. It is found on the aisle w/the vitamins and other supplements. I wld. continue to not give him any sugar or caffeine. It does make a difference even if you didn't notice rt away. And there is no positive nutritional value in either one! Does he have a regular routine/schedule where he goes to bed at the same time each day? That can help b/c he will be used to the same routine. Is he stressed out about anything? Sometimes the growing and hormones of being a teen can cause him to be out of balance interfering w/his ability to sleep well.

Sleep well,
M.
www.4MyChildrenSake.com

You might consider trying a Melatonin supplement about an hour before bedtime. You can find this on the drugstore shelf along with other supplements. Melatonin helps regulate sleep (both falling asleep and staying asleep.) I have used this consistently and with good results with two of my teenage sons who have trouble falling asleep.

You can read more about Melatonin at the following link:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/258...

Drinking chamomille tea in the evening can also contribute to relaxation and help the sleep process.

If you are comfortable giving him regular Tylenol, you may consider giving him just 1 Tylenol PM. I have a 15 yr old step son who takes, just 1, and not every night, just on those nights when he feels he needs a little help in getting to sleep. It has helped him get more sleep, and do better in school because he is not so tired all of the time. He is probably waking up with headaches because he doesn't get enough sleep. Good luck!

D. Mattern-Muck
The MOM Team
Raise your income and your rugrats at the same time!!
www.formyrugrats.com
"The only thing that counts is faith, expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Try Melatonin. It does wonders for us! It's conpletely natural, and won't leave you with side effects. It just relaxes you enough to let your body sleep. Also, it doesn't keep you asleep.

Does he play video games or watch tv late? Does he have a lot of homework he can't get done before midnight? Perhaps he's just not a morning person. Perhaps he has hidden anxieties you may not know about. There are a lot of reasons that you may not be aware of. If he can drink milk, sometimes that helps one fall asleep. Turkey has triptifan in it which make a person sleepy, perhaps you should make a habit of eating turky for dinner or have him drink milk before bed. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm a stay at home mom with young children, but i read in a book that TV can keep your mind buzzing for hours after it's been turned off. They recommended turning the TV off two hours before bed. I think the 30 min of quiet time before bed is a good idea too. That works for me and my young ones.