Son not sleeping!

[blondebird69]

My DS is 13 soon so nearly a teenager. For the last two months he has been having problems sleeping. He constantly asks what time me and his dad are going to bed. Long story but as we work shifts one of us would normally be up til late at night but lately we have both been going to bed around 10-1030 at night and reading in bed or watching tv.
DS goes to bed to be asleep by 10. He goes up and about an hour later is crying saying he cant sleep. Its got so bad he wants a night light on and is disturbing the whole house.
I have had trouble sleeping since christmas due to shift work and i am not sure if he has picked up on this.
When this started a couple of months ago he said he was frightened to go to sleep as he find it scary about dropping off or not waking up. Also about being the only one awake in the house.
He was having some problems at school but he insists it is not that its just he has trouble sleeping.
Last night he said he woke up and woke his dad up (i was working) and then he had to have the light on and woke up lots. It usually starts with him saying he has a stomach ache and feels sick and then sits by the loo.
Not sure what to do about it now as it has gone on for a couple of months and is now effecting everyone's sleep in the house. I have tried the usual winding down before bed, no computer, hot drink etc.
Any suggestions gratefully received.

Sounds like he is sacred or anxious about something have you asked him if he is?

It certainly sounds as if he is really anxious about something. My dd went through a couple of weeks like this recently, annoyed us no end although in retrospect we should have been more sympathetic than we were. Melatonin and chamomile tea helped somewhat.

I have asked him and he said he isnt worried about anything although he has had some issues at school but he says he does not know why. It is frustrating anddifficult when you are tired. Told him to go up to his room and watch a funny film for a little while hope that will help.

Poor boy, He sounds anxious about something.
Are you able to have a quiet word with his form tutor?
Can he take kalms or rescue remedy?

Is he a worrier or obsessive by nature?

DS1 (14) has suffered from this for the last few years. He is ok for ages then something seems to upset him and he cant get to sleep, or worries about waking in the night and being the only one up. He has got so upset he is physically ill. We helped sort him out with various things to do if he woke ie. Kindle, DVD player, Ipod etc. He has increased his physical exercise, even taking himself off for half an hour's walk or bike ride in the evening if he feels the need. He also wont stay away from home which is a shame as he has missed sleepovers at friends and school trips he would liked to have gone on.

He had no issues with school and there was no upheaval or anything at home. He has always, however, been an anxious child.

We were thinking of CBT but a friend recommended hypnotherapy and he has had 5 or 6 sessions. He is now booked to go on a short residential with the school in July. So far no panicking and he seems fairly relaxed.

I am keeping everything firmly crossed and am hopeful that he will go and enjoy it.