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Sleep meds?

5 replies

Nightlife · 31/10/2018 06:45

Hi all,
I'm hoping to get some advice re sleep medication-any experience, pros/cons would be much appreciated!
My son (6) is undiagnosed ASD, (but very likely HFA) we are currently going through the motions and are on the list for ADOS testing. One of the issues is the early rising. Every day, no matter what time my son goes to sleep at night, he wakes up before 5am most mornings and cannot settle himself back to sleep again. He wakes up tired and clearly needs more sleep. This has always been the case. He looks pale and tired which won't help his mood, behaviour and energy levels etc and coping with the school day in general. We have tried everything from weighted blankets (which have helped him settle at night) to lifting him for a wee during the night, black out blinds, different bed, etc. We have tried numerous ways to help settle him back to sleep but he just gets cross and upset.
When we first saw the paediatrician, we discussed his sleep and he mentioned a sleeping medication which helps them sleep, I wasn't keen to go down that route but now we are 6 months further down the line I am starting to consider it. Has anyone had experience they could share of sleep meds? Thank you in advance Brew

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Waitingforsleepagain · 31/10/2018 08:15

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LittlePukeko · 31/10/2018 09:13

Definitely melatonin.

Sirzy · 31/10/2018 09:57

My understanding of melatonin is that it helps get to sleep but it won’t help sleep in longer. It certainly doesn’t with ds!

We just have a very chilled, quiet couple of hours when he wakes!

SleepyPaws · 31/10/2018 16:29

Yes Melatonin helps with getting to sleep but it doesn't help them stay asleep for longer, our joy can still wake during the night even if he's taken it.

Nightlife · 08/11/2018 06:36

Thank you x

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