1. "Get them tired" isn't always an option
    Jenn Shuey Jenn Shuey United States says:
    September 14, 2015 at 11:40 PM

    It's not always possible to "get them tired" to fix a sleep problem with every child. My 5 year old has a sleep disorder and has been diagnosed with extreme hyperactivity along with other issues. We are a very active family who spends a lot of time outdoors each day together. We knew there was a problem when we purposely spent hours each day trying to "wear her out"playing with her, swimming, running, hiking as a family, and it didn't change the outcome one bit. At 5 yrs old it takes 3-4 hours to fall asleep (no matter what time she lies down) and still wakes every 45 min to an hour all night EVERY night without the help of melatonin. An average night's sleep is 5-6 hours max when you factor in how many times she wakes and how long she stays awake.

    I'm that mom who refuses to give my kids any pill unless it's absolutely needed. The only thing that has helped her fall asleep and stay asleep is Melatonin. I don't condone using it every night on a child, but if it taking it for a couple weeks at a time helps my daughter "reset" into a normal sleep cycle I'm all for it. There are side effects of the long term lack of sleep as well.

    Reply
    • Kelly Church on Researchers warn doctors, parents not to give melatonin drug to control sleep problems in children
      Kelly Church Kelly Church United States says:
      September 16, 2015 at 10:50 AM

      Thank you for telling your daughter's story. People who don't know what it is like to have a daycare provider tell you your kid has gone at 100 mph all day, didn't nap and you get them home and after dinner you run her ragged for a couple more hours, only to be falling asleep in their bed while trying to get them to sleep. While they are still up trying to shut their brains off.

      Then after a couple of days of this I end up having to call out of work (again- if this keeps up I'll end up being a stay at home mom by force) because she is so wound up and so tired that she can't function. I had plans last night and had to fork over $60 and then not attend because she is going through another round now and last night when I had a commitment to my own mother I had to cancel because my daughter was 'falling apart at the seams"

      Reply
The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
(Logout)
Post

Terms

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

Provide Feedback