We have been to see different paediatricians over the years and still clueless. Our daughter who is now 6, seems to be unable to fall asleep without melatonin or - if she is in my bed and even then she’s up super late, even with the lights switched completely off. She shares a room with her sister, that’s what they decided they wanted. I sit with them until they fall asleep. Miss 6, has been on prescription melatonin liquid from around 3 from memory. I have tried many many times to put her to sleep without and it ends in me sitting with her for hours and even then she will wake up exhausted the following day. It seems if she sleeps with me it takes slightly less time to fall asleep but she’s still tired and cranky. I worry that the long term use of melatonin could cause issues with her little body and also the fact that she wakes up with a full pull up every morning and that it will affect her being able to make the transition to undies. I know I have taken melatonin and it has made me feel groggy, so I worry it could do this to her also. She’s been assessed for adhd to which they have said that she does not fit any other of the criteria. I’ve tried every single bedtime routine - I know it’s not that. Nothing works. Does anyone have any suggestions? What could be causing her to take so long to fall asleep?
3 Replies
Have you tried a sleep consultant?
I find doctors (including peads) focus on symptoms, not environmental solutions. It's non invasive, no drugs, so worth a try. I had one for my DS as a baby & I learned a lot about good sleep routines. I was making a few small mistakes that, once changed, meant he learned to sleep & still sleeps brilliantly at age 9.
I suggest getting recommendations from a local FB group as you don't need a formal qualification to be one.
Don't try to put her cold turkey, OMG!!!!! Wean her off very slowly, preferably under a Dr's supervision.
Melatonin being a natural hormone means nothing in terms of just stopping it, the fact is, her body is used to having it, you don't give it to her, her body's going "well no melatonin so it's not sleep time!!!"
My adult partner cannot sleep without a hot shower first. It's nothing drug related at all, it's just pure body routine and muscle memory.
My son is the same and he has anxiety. It’s exhausting on both of us.