Teen DS struggling to get to sleep

[CurlsandCurves]

For a bit of perspective, DS has always needed more sleep than ‘the norm’. Never had any issues re sleep as a baby or younger child. He’s almost 14 and until recently was going to bed about 9, dropping off no problem, alarm for school goes off at 7.

But in recent months he’s saying he’s finding it difficult to get to sleep and so he’s shattered when his alarm goes off for school. Says it’s about midnight before he finally falls asleep. Clearly 7 hours sleep is not enough for him.

He’s good at winding down before bed, he’s off the PS4 at least half an hour before, he does have his iPad but just chills out watching YouTube.

Would it be worth trying those herbal sleeping tablets you can buy over the counter? Or are they a waste of money?

I don't know how well the facts line up tbh but I've read that using electronic devices such as iPad can have a detrimental effect on sleep. Maybe he needs to try putting away the iPad as well as the ps4? It might feel like he's just chilling out but if it's not conducive to sleep...

Other than that is there anything on his mind such as school or friendship issues that could be stressing him? Is he getting enough fresh air and exercise?

There is a proven switch during teenage years that makes them owls rather than larks, normal society operating hours present a real challenge for teens! So do all you can to help sleep happen, screens (esp phones/tablets/laptops) off at least an hour before bed, plenty of exercise, no caffeine at all would be the first steps to take before self medicating.

Thanks for the responses. I’ll show him when he gets in from school later.

Friendships are great, he’s got a small group of close friends, they’re lovely lads and are inseparable so I doubt there’s any issues there. School wise he’s doing well, has chosen his GCSEs and got the ones he wanted.

He could do with a bit more exercise to be honest, but I kind of dismissed that as normal lazy teen behaviour! It’s a vicious circle really because he’s been asking me to give him a lift to school rather than walking because he’s so tired in the morning. Always walks home tho and often to a friends house, or they all walk into the local town after school now the weathers improving.

And we will decide on a screen cut off time, see if that helps.

Phones etc in bed are the thing to look at.

Yeah, it's no screens at all for 30 mins at least before bed. Paper books only. Has he tried any guided meditations to listen to?

Maybe introduce a cup of chamomile tea after dinner as part of the wind down? I tried numerous herbal tablets when younger for sleep but that had no positive effect on my sleep. Same with tart cherry juice. Melatonin was a winner though!

riverislands no phones or tablets are allowed in rooms at night. Not got a tv in there either.

Screen curfew is definitely a good idea. He’s a sensible kid so hopefully he’ll understand the benefits and give it a go if it’s going to help him.

This is a totally common thing for teens - as PP said they often go night-owl. I did. There was nothing really to be done about it, mine was before screens and whatnot but I'd be up reading books or comics or painting until 3am, up for school, shattered, rinse and repeat.

You might want to get the thread moved to "teenagers" for more input.

I’d forgotten there was a teenagers board, thanks!

Mods, can you move this thread to teens when you’ve got a mo please?

Off for a nosy over there...

Think you’ll need to report to get it moved