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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Insomnia in teens

9 replies

DominoRules · 14/03/2023 12:40

DS1 is nearly 15, year 10. He’s recently started to struggle with sleep, mostly just unable to fall asleep until sometimes 2am - not great when he needs to be up at 6.45am!

He’s getting quite stressed/anxious about it, I’ve had a few conversations about if there’s anything bothering him etc but other than a bit of nerves for some assessments initially he insisted there’s nothing wrong. He’s doing well at school, has nice friends and hobbies. During the day he’s his usual self but as bedtime approaches I can see him start to get uneasy.

I’ve put an airbed in our room and said he can come in if that helps - he has a few times and does seem to sleep better there.

Any experiences of similar? Or ideas to help through this patch?

OP posts:
JHarHar · 14/03/2023 15:52

DominoRules · 14/03/2023 12:40

DS1 is nearly 15, year 10. He’s recently started to struggle with sleep, mostly just unable to fall asleep until sometimes 2am - not great when he needs to be up at 6.45am!

He’s getting quite stressed/anxious about it, I’ve had a few conversations about if there’s anything bothering him etc but other than a bit of nerves for some assessments initially he insisted there’s nothing wrong. He’s doing well at school, has nice friends and hobbies. During the day he’s his usual self but as bedtime approaches I can see him start to get uneasy.

I’ve put an airbed in our room and said he can come in if that helps - he has a few times and does seem to sleep better there.

Any experiences of similar? Or ideas to help through this patch?

I read somewhere that people have a higher quality of sleep and sleep quicker if they’re in a room dedicated to it, by that I mean a room only meant for sleeping in. If he plays in his room or watches TV or plays video games he’ll most likely associate that room with playing rather than sleeping, it could explain why he finds the guest room easier to sleep in. I find not looking at screens about an hour/2 hours before sleeping and instead reading a book helps a lot too. Alternatively does he like ambient calm sounds like the sound of rain? If so then playing sound from that may help. Just a couple of ideas some of which might be helpful. X

Original poster
DominoRules · 14/03/2023 16:38

Thanks @JHarHar - no devices in his room and he usually reads before sleep. He’s always been an amazing sleeper so this is a big change for him!

I’ll try some calm sounds though, that may help

OP posts:
Mumofteens4892 · 14/03/2023 22:19

Can just sympathise. My 15 year old hasn't been to school the last 2 days because he can't sleep, then he can't get up. It is driving us insane.

InsuranceForU18s · 14/03/2023 22:22

Our 15yo has taken to listening to nature relaxation music to get him to sleep/keep him asleep.

allthepeaches · 14/03/2023 22:28

Could you try rearranging the furniture in his room? I find I sleep really well when I stay with friends or family and I think it's to do with it being a nice guest room that I stay in. Might just help give that feeling!

Original poster
DominoRules · 15/03/2023 13:52

Thought I’d replied earlier!

Thanks for the responses - we listened to some nature sounds last night and it did seem to really help relax him so will carry on with that.

Also his room is looking a bit tired and drab so I think I’ll freshen it up to make it seem a bit more appealing!

And sorry your DS is struggling @Mumofteens4892 - it’s so tough to see them. I really hope it’s just a short phase and things settle soon x

OP posts:
FunnysInLaJardin · 15/03/2023 13:59

DS1 is 17 and has been having the same problem. Started in around year 9 or 10. Sometimes he couldn't fall asleep at night and others he would wake during the night and not be able to drop off again.

He went to the doctor and has been proscribed promethazine which is an old style antihistamine and really seems to have worked. He can now drop off at a reasonable time and sleeps through.

He also chose to leave his phone downstairs (after the GP recommended it) as he realised that it wasn't helping his sleep at all

MyStarBoy · 16/03/2023 22:55

Audible books.
A good narrator really helps with no load noises or music for effect.

QueSyrahSyrah · 16/03/2023 23:05

I'll also recommend audible or podcasts. I've found I have a week or two in every three months that I really struggle to sleep (I assume the onset of peri coupled with a more responsible job for me) and a podcast or audio book stops my brain from spiralling off in its own directions and encourages sleep. Best wishes to him and you OP.

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