9 yo ds, sleep and weird bowel habits...Will it ever end?!

[Cannotfindanewname]

Ds has always been a terrible sleeper (won't bore you with details, unless asked) and finally, after many years of fighting and begging (because he doesn't have additional needs), he was prescribed melatonin several months ago. He is currently taking 4mg a night which, until about 4 months ago, was helping and he went from 4 hours broken sleep to approx 9.5 hours sleep a night.
For the past 4 months, however, he seems to be going backward and he is waking earlier and earlier...currently it's 4.30am. He's exhausted. What doesn't help is that he wakes up and has to open his bowels, then he can't get back to sleep. Who the fuck has a shit at 4.30am?!

This is becoming a big issue, he's fallen asleep in class in the reading corner, he's too tired to do his hobbies and is becoming really angry at everything (like he was before he started his melatonin). How the hell do I help him? How can you change your bowel habits, is it even possible?? I know it sounds quite amusing but it's really affecting him and I am at a loss how to help him not mentioning the fact I'm also exhausted

Have you been referred to the sleep clinic.
Im no expert but what about something to encourage bowel movement before bed eg a gentle over the counter laxative and a walk just after tea time.

That is quite unusual to be woken for a bowel action. Is there any chance the melatonin has caused this? Aside from being tired, are there any other symptoms? Not sure a laxative would help because he is not constipated, and a laxative in a young child is not advised without good reason.

Change his diet to wholefoods only (no processed food AT ALL) with lots of food for gut health (like yoghurts, Kombucha, fermented food).

Does he have any other bowel issues? My DD his a bit of a poo witholder and will wake up at about 3 or 4am at least once a week for a poo. I’m positive it’s one of the rare times her bowel relaxed enough to let go.

If you want to stimulate pooing at other times of the day, sitting on the loo 30 minutes after eating is optimal.

I agree with @Rainallnight, it's possible to develop a poo routine but sitting on the toilet about half an hour after a meal for a few minutes. My son was constipated and this helped to reset things. Make sure he is drinking plenty, has enough fibre etc. I'd speak to gp if it doesn't resolve. Hope you get some improvement soon.

Melatonin becomes less effective used continuously over a longer period, then you need to take a 4-5 day break and then start again.

Get him tested for Coeliac Disease.