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Original poster

Tv in the room of a 5YO

62 replies

13MAPARTHELL · 02/01/2026 21:40

For context, this is me at my final straw.

My child has ASD (PDA) & we have tried, consistently MANY things to help with night times, but every night for around 2 years now it takes around 3 - 4 hours to get him to sleep. Me and dad are pretty depressed, our relationship wont survive our situation, there is simply not enough time in the day where as everything you need to do is done in the evening, we do not have that option.

He is just very unregulated & if he senses annoyance of any kind, or no annoyance he will continue to push as much as he can, if we simply tell him no and ignore him…. Well, it just gets worse and nothing ever sticks he does not understand cause and effect.

im considering a small dvd only tv in his room, just to play something like kipper? Or other relaxed shows with reduced brightness etc, as that will MAYBE distract him and calm him - on a timer?

OP posts:
EmeraldShamrock000 · 02/01/2026 21:58

Have you seen a psychiatrist or psychologist or hospital consultant who can prescribe melatonin for sleeping?
DD had a portable dvd player at that age for 30 minutes before story time, it was easier to remove it. Set the rules up.
Sadly with a child who suffers from these issues there is very little downtime for parents.
Try getting a prescription and seeing if it makes a difference.

OneAndDon3 · 02/01/2026 21:58

Also look at sensory deep pressure, pre sleep stuff.

Chillipepper4 · 02/01/2026 21:57

If melatonin helps, speak to a different doctor. Luckily our GP prescribed it off licence and it’s been a life saver. You can also buy it in European pharmacies, although I’ve never found gummies and only up to 1.9mg.

I really wouldn’t recommend a TV in the bedroom but I understand the temptation.

OneAndDon3 · 02/01/2026 21:56

A Tonie with sleep timers and expectation setting helped with my ND child. We've moved on to audible and a sleep timer, ten minutes tops following a standard routine. Don't do a screen. I know you're at breaking point but it won't make anything better.

Original poster
13MAPARTHELL · 02/01/2026 21:54

Eyeshadow · 02/01/2026 21:53

No I wouldn’t start this (and I’m pro screens).
The light from the screens messes up sleep patterns and I think you’ll struggle even more.

I would start off with audiobooks if he needs the noise.

The bedroom needs to be a space where his body feels tired - screens are the worst for this.

What is the issue with him going to bed?
Is it that he doesn’t want to be left alone?
How do you finally get him to sleep?

Ah i know your right

no he just literally dosnt stop, wont stop talking, jumping, i cant even read him books because he cant focus or listen etc its hell

OP posts:
Eyeshadow · 02/01/2026 21:53

No I wouldn’t start this (and I’m pro screens).
The light from the screens messes up sleep patterns and I think you’ll struggle even more.

I would start off with audiobooks if he needs the noise.

The bedroom needs to be a space where his body feels tired - screens are the worst for this.

What is the issue with him going to bed?
Is it that he doesn’t want to be left alone?
How do you finally get him to sleep?

Herewegoagain8 · 02/01/2026 21:49

Well it’s worth a try OP if you think it would help. My kids wouldn’t fall asleep with the TV on I don’t think but they’re all different and you know your child and his particular issues best. If it buys you some time on an evening then it’s well worth it IMO. My middle child is really difficult to know how to deal with and I’m exhausted by her bedtime, if I didn’t have the evening to myself well I can only imagine how hard that must be.

As pp says seek medical advice too, throw everything you can think of at it - hope you’ve get it sorted OP.

FuzzyWolf · 02/01/2026 21:48

13MAPARTHELL · 02/01/2026 21:46

Yes and they refused to assist with this, so we got our own from family in america - and it did help us, but they dont come down anymore, fuming! 😂

Show quote history

There are online pharmacies you can buy from although I would recommend going back and insisting on seeing CAMHS or a paediatric sleep consultant.

Children with SEN often struggle to sleep and melatonin is often a game changer for them. Whilst a TV might give your child a distraction, it won’t give them more sleep and they really do need that even if their bodies don’t want to cooperate or agree.

Original poster
13MAPARTHELL · 02/01/2026 21:47

Neodymium · 02/01/2026 21:42

If it takes 3-4 hours to go to bed what time are you starting and what time is he going to sleep? Maybe you are putting him to bed too early.

7:30!! Sometimes 8 😭😭😭😭

theres been times with been consistent and brought jt forward, at one point i was doing after school club to see if it tired him out, the boys nuts man 😭

OP posts:
Original poster
13MAPARTHELL · 02/01/2026 21:46

FuzzyWolf · 02/01/2026 21:43

Have you sought medical advice and melatonin?

Yes and they refused to assist with this, so we got our own from family in america - and it did help us, but they dont come down anymore, fuming! 😂

OP posts:
FuzzyWolf · 02/01/2026 21:43

Have you sought medical advice and melatonin?

Neodymium · 02/01/2026 21:42

If it takes 3-4 hours to go to bed what time are you starting and what time is he going to sleep? Maybe you are putting him to bed too early.