Constantly not enough sleep

[Nosleepagain34]

I have a 9 year old who doesn’t sleep well. We are waiting for CAMHS assessment for ASD and should get one in the next 6 months. They keep it mainly together at school but school are aware/supportive/extra help is in place.
I’ve had one 6 hour block of sleep in the last fortnight. Some nights I’m woken every hour. Others I get 3-4 hours sleep and then can dozens bit or the whole house can be up from 4am. I’m constantly short of money (because I’m too knackered to work on my profitable business enough hours to earn enough) and patience and sleep. I’ve been to the GP and all they say is just cosleep as then DC sleep but I don’t as they disturb me. There are issues during the day but I’ve got work rounds for those.
They do sleep better during the holidays. Leaving them in their own room doesn’t work as they just don’t sleep which impacts behaviour at school, which impacts behaviour at home and sleep.

Would DC sleeping on a separate mattress in your room work rather than in your bed?

Most GPs won’t prescribe medication to help with sleep without it being initiated by paeds/CAMHS, but you could request a referral to a sleep clinic or paeds to look at melatonin.Some people buy melatonin online if that is something you would like to do. Some people buy antihistamines, e.g. promethazine, OTC to help with sleep.

What support is school providing? If sleep improves in the holidays, it suggests school is causing stress. If school was easier, sleep is likely to improve.

How is DC’s eating? How much exercise does DC get?

Do you get DLA?

We have done similar to the separate mattress before, which was basically them deciding to sleep on the floor as I wanted the bed to myself but it didn’t last all night. I do have a spare single bed (currently dismantled but could rearrange my bedroom to fit it in)

I don’t get DLA but I am wondering if we would be eligible.
Time out if overwhelmed, there’s someone external coming it for emotional health sessions
Not a huge amount of exercise on school nights at this time of year, much more at weekends.
Lots of things they won’t eat but sugar is severely restricted, eats some fruit and veg. Won’t eat a meal that would be normal family meal such as shepherds pie but will eat tempura chicken and a toasted bagel with cooked carrots and raw cucumber type meals.

Apply for DLA. Use the Cerebra guide to help you complete the form.

Request a meeting with the SENCO. The school should be providing more support. You could also think about requesting an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

I would look at increasing exercise.

If you have enough room for a separate bed/mattress in your bedroom, I would try that.