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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Original poster

sleep problems and ADHD

9 replies

Sophiedophie · 18/04/2004 18:07

My 9 year old son has ADHD and finds it very difficult to get to sleep at night. Even though he is tired it's as if his brain just can't switch off. We've tried so many things, including sessions with a kinesiologist to help him relax at bedtime. Has anyone got any suggestions!

OP posts:
Loobie · 18/04/2004 19:49

Ds who is 8 and has asd has the exact same problems you are describing.He is now on melatonin from his specialist to help regulate a sleep pattern,they are wonderful . Another thing to try is give him his supper then take him upstairs for his bath and go from bath straight to bed without coming back down stairs,something we do along with the meds to help get him into a pattern,it gives them time to adjust their brain into sleep mode as they are upstairs for a while before getting into bed.

mrsforgetful · 18/04/2004 21:18

melatonin a lifesaver here too- sounds perfect for your son as it suits the child who struggles getting to sleep- as opposed to when they keep waking up frequently during the night.

It 'simply' triggers the 'body clock' and is NOT a tranquiliser or sleeping tablet- needs to be prescribed by a specialist....still don't think G.Ps can prescribe it.

My son is 10 and has Aspergers and ADHD and before we had it he rarely yawned- and rarely asleep by 12/1am

motherinferior · 20/04/2004 11:51

Loobie, Sophiedophie, MrsForgetful, would any of you be prepared to be interviewed - anonymously if you wished - for an article I'm writing on SN children who don't sleep? Would you possibly think about it and if you're on for it, email me?

mrsforgetful · 21/04/2004 10:55

Yes- that would be great- i have mailed you direct...let me know on here if you don't recieve the message!

Original poster
Sophiedophie · 26/04/2004 20:37

Melatonin rocks! Have just given my son 1mg for first time - friend got someone to bring it back from the States for me - after 45 mins of taking it he's asleep and it's only 9pm! Don't know what to do with myself now! Can anyone tell me if 1mg is right dose?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sophiedophie · 26/04/2004 20:37

Melatonin rocks! Have just given my son 1mg for first time - friend got someone to bring it back from the States for me - after 45 mins of taking it he's asleep and it's only 9pm! Don't know what to do with myself now! Can anyone tell me if 1mg is right dose?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sophiedophie · 26/04/2004 20:38

To Motherinferior - yes I would be happy to let you interview me - how do I e-mail you direct.

OP posts:
mrsforgetful · 26/04/2004 22:08

sophie- if 1mg works stick with it.....tom at 9 was started on 2.5mg- but he is on stimulant meds aswell so apparently they need more- and i've read alot that 1mg can be enough. Leigh is 7 and on no other meds and i give him 1mg (sometimes 2.5) and he's gone from a moody grumpy tired-but-unable-to-sleep-boy to a sleepy-head in 30mins!
get my extra melatonin on Ebay (from america) as the paed is only prescribing to tom at the moment - but she knows i give leigh a lower dose- i only pay including postage around £7 for 3 months supply- so i really don't mind paying !

Try it yourself - if you have had years of sleepless nights it can mean that your own bodyclock is shattered too- it is amazing that after 30 mins you feel heavy eyed and start yawning! My eldest said after the first nigh 'now i know what it is like to feel tired!' And it was only after a few days that i realised that he'd hardly ever yawned before!

Loobie · 27/04/2004 11:05

MI i wouldnt mind being interviewed but dont know how to contact you direct,feel free to e amil me if you know how to.

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