6 year old’s sleep

[cooperbug]

I’m completely demented with my 6 year old’s lack of sleep. She is awaiting an autism/adhd diagnosis and every single night I have to lie with her in bed until approx 9:30pm until she goes to sleep. She stays asleep for 2-4 hours then climbs into our bed for the rest of the night. I’m at breaking point, she will shout and scream if I try to creep out and I just don’t know what else to do.

What have you already tried? Some people find a 2 way monitor helps. Others find music, white noise, lighting, tents, special teddy helpful. Have you tried the elastic band technique and gradual retreat? You could ask for a referral to a sleep clinic or a paed to look at melatonin or other medication to help sleep. Would DD sleep better if she slept in your bed all night - not ideal but may be helpful for now.

I'm not surprised you are at the end of your tether! Much sympathy.

You could approach your gp and ask for a referral to a sleep clinic. You don't need a diagnosis for that.

If you have money (about 2k) then you could look at getting a private diagnosis which may speed things up a little. When you have that you can look at the various options eg melatonin, a safe space etc.

I am assuming your dd doesn't have the understanding to use things like a sleep bunny and anyway, what child wants to lie awake for hours? And she is too young to stay quietly in her room on a tablet etc

Melatonin has been our saviour (adhd confirmed, awaiting autism diagnosis). We all very rarely got to sleep through the right until she was 6, and even then it was sporadic. I completely sympathise, it really is a horrible form of torture