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Teenagers

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

Original poster

DS with sleep issues

43 replies

Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:11

Hi ds17 has never been a great sleeper but things have escalated. For 6 months he has struggled both falling asleep and staying asleep. He has seen a GP on 2 occasions firstly time they gave him phenergan which didn't help him and the second time said they would refer him for CBT. Shortly after that contacted him to say it isn't covered by the NHS but he could sign up to Sleep station. He has tired every over the counter remedy, exercise, no screens, weighted blanket etc etc. he has had a couple of days of very little sleep and is almost delirious. He is now talking about trying cannabis to just get some relief. I am trying to come up with every solution I can think of to avoid this. He bought CBD capsules from H & B but I have read there are stronger options out there. Is it worth trying those? Any advice would be greatly received. He maintains his general mental health is fine apart from his sleep issues.

^I have also put this in sleep also

OP posts:
bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:12

how late in to the night is he on his phone and or gaming?

bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:14

how physically active is he?

Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:17

For the last few months he has come off devices no later than 8.30pm. He goes to a local gym 5 days a week although this is mainly weights.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:22

and what about mental stimulation…. doing his a levels? friends?

Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:24

A levels at a local college. Has good friends, although during winter months they do tend to hibernate. He volunteers once a week. I am going to strongly encourage some employment too

OP posts:
bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:29

how is his mood generally sleep aside (although difficult to separate entirely )

RagzRebooted · 10/02/2024 10:33

Magnesium supplements really helped me, I've been taking them regularly for 6 weeks and finding it so much easier to sleep.
Look at some on Amazon and read the reviews, you can search reviews for sleep and read people's experiences.
CBD is worth a try. I'd avoid THC (actual cannabis or in other forms) as it can make it worse, cause dependency and cause/exacerbate mental health issues (I say this as someone who enjoys a spliff but wouldn't recommend it to my 17yo!).

lovinglaughingliving · 10/02/2024 10:42

How about some melatonin?
I'm pretty sure you can get them on private prescription x

bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:44

He is now talking about trying cannabis

no. no. and no.

Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:46

Mood is ok. He is generally very easy going. I wouldn't say loving his A levels but I know lack sleep isn't helping with this. I have picked up some magnesium tablets he has been taking for a few weeks. Not sure I have the right ones so need to do more research on this.

OP posts:
Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:48

100 percent agree on the cannabis front hence me desperately trying to find him something that works. That option will not be ok with me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:49

I will contact some private sleep clinics to see if that is something worth trying

OP posts:
Theoldcuriosityshop · 10/02/2024 10:51

Has he tried Nytol, it's a herbal medication for sleep problems.

bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:51

Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 10:48

100 percent agree on the cannabis front hence me desperately trying to find him something that works. That option will not be ok with me.

be 100% absolutely clear with him. never ever ever going to happen so forget it

bestmoment · 10/02/2024 10:52

I am trying to come up with every solution I can think of to avoid this.

whether or not you find a solution is irrelevant as to whether he will start using cannabis

upintheloft · 10/02/2024 10:54

Is he taking any pre-workout supplements? I tried them once and I couldn't sleep for 2 days

Newnamesameoldlurker · 10/02/2024 10:56

You can get melatonin online from reputable suppliers like i- herb. He should only take a very, very small dose though- like a quarter of a dose.
Cbt for insomnia is very effective. It involves sleep restriction to break the association of bed with being awake.
A Bluetooth headband could also help- he could listen to calming audibooks to take his mind off anxious/frustrated thoughts about still being awake (as these cause the vicious cycle)

LonginesPrime · 10/02/2024 10:58

Has he tried including some walking or running in his daily activity?

EwwSprouts · 10/02/2024 10:59

Suggest he try hard physical exercise outdoors. Regularly long walk/run/cycle. A good dose of natural light is important.

Pssspsss · 10/02/2024 11:05

GP can prescribe melatonin but not sure if there are specific criteria (ie having been recommended by a consultant) but it’s deffo worth checking back in with GP if they can refer?

i went through a phase of this in my very early 20s. Just keep in the routine of keeping busy in the day, 3 balanced meals/snacks etc and coming off tech early, relaxing bedtime routine. Going to bed even if not tired, calming music (I always find music we used to listen to in the car as kids on overnight journeys helps me fall asleep) and getting up at the same time every day irrespective of how much sleep has been had will all help retrain the brain to naturally fall asleep.

He needs to coach himself not to clock watch and stress about “how much sleep will I get if I fall asleep now” cos that just fucks it up even more.

Avoid medication that isn’t melatonin - it’s addictive. (Thank god due to a health condition the pharmacy refused to sell me that shit) melatonin is natural chemical in the body though so i wouldn’t worry about having that as a short term help if a specialist recommends. What I would do though is look at ways you can increase melatonin naturally.

I’d also keep a diary of what’s happening and measures used etc so if you do speak to gp again/see a specialist then you can show sleep hygiene practices are tried/tested.

Original poster
Glassbottom · 10/02/2024 11:05

He knows my views on Cannabis. It's ok saying never ever going to happen but he is a teenager soon to be adult. It's very prevalent with teens here, I talk openly about it, try to help with finding a resolution to his sleep issues and hope it's not something he turns to for any reason.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 10/02/2024 11:06

upintheloft · 10/02/2024 10:54

Is he taking any pre-workout supplements? I tried them once and I couldn't sleep for 2 days

good question

Pssspsss · 10/02/2024 11:07

Re Nytol: careful - yes there’s a herbal one but also a medicated one (avoid)

thinkfast · 10/02/2024 11:07

Magnesium could really help him OP

Also what's he eating in the evening?

MamaBanana12 · 10/02/2024 11:08

Try supremeCBD website for CBD oil. few drops before bed and I am sleeping so much better. Try the stronger ones rather than weaker as quality does matter