What to Do If Kids Suffer With Insomnia?

philp5787

New Member
My niece is only 15 years old and she is suffering with insomnia. I have seen many types of sleep disorders with older but not in kids, they sleep well. Can anybody give me any suggestion what can i do for her . How can she get better sleep. Please suggest if anybody know about insomnia in kids.
 

Wiped Out

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Welcome Philip,

There are many reasons why a person might suffer from insomnia. Does your niece have any other areas where she struggles. I'm sorry I don't remember if you have posted about her before or if you are brand new as of today. For example, my son when he was young (3-7 years old) rarely slept and I do mean rarely. A psychiatrist prescribed him medications (it was his bipolar disorder that kept him awake). For some it is too much screen time before bed or not getting enough physical activity along with many other possibilities. Can you tell us a little more about your niece so we might be able to give some suggestions that would help her?
 

runawaybunny

Administrator
Staff member
Here are a few links that you may find useful:

Medications for Insomnia Treatment in Children - http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0201/p358.html

Melatonin for chronic sleep onset insomnia in children: a randomized placebo-controlled trial - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11292231

Insomnia: symptom or diagnosis? - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11584515

Insomnia Treatment & Management - http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1187829-treatment

Treatment of chronic insomnia with yoga: a preliminary study with sleep-wake diaries. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15707256

The tired teen: A review of the assessment and management of the adolescent with sleepiness and fatigue - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528817/
 

philp5787

New Member
I am very thankful to both of you that you have rapidly respond to my question, i noticed one thing that she doesn't have good relationship with others, she is not making friends and always looks tired. I believe in spirituality and follow a person Mahendra Trivedi. I have too much faith and believe on this person, should I take her to to the person, just because he have unique ability, he can transform anything though thoughts. I think some inspirational people and unique thoughts can help her without taking medicines. What is your opinion?
 

Dun Haddit

Member
Our daughter has ADHD and anxiety. On or off her medications, she can go for days without sleeping.

We finally found a medication that helps her sleep, coupled with one for anti anxiety, but there are still times we can here her up all night, and our inside security camera shows her up walking around, too.

We give her melatonin and try to keep the evening meal more protein filled than carbs. She is allowed to sleep with music, she says it calms her, and having had a horrific abusive past, we let her sleep with our lab because she says she is afraid at night.

We already anticipating her past would cause problems, but we still took her to specialist to rule out anything physical. Even after a meltdown that got her admitted to a pediatrician psychiatric hospital, the staff reported she wouldn't sleep.

All we could do is help assure her she was safe. The medications for anxiety are a godsend. We wish they weren't needed but cannot deny a sullen and angry cranky child is less preferred than a loving, helpful and happy child.

I want to stress that anything said in these forums should never be taken as medical advice or as the gospel. I share my successes and failures because it helps lend credence to any parent making educated decisions in how to proceed in helping their child.

For consideration, research teas that may help such as chamomile, corn silk, lavender or passionfruit flower/leaf.

Essential oils might help, grapefruit is supposed to reduce anxiety and promote peaceful feelings, again, lavender is a commonly use anti stress remedy.

Reflexology, acupuncture, message, warm baths, warm milk, golden milk, tryptophan, on and on.

Don't get discouraged. I've been in your shoes and it's hard not being able to immediately step in and fix it. I know I'm a broken record, but I can't repeat it enough, the first step is recognizing there is a problem. Some parents would dismiss it, think the child is just acting out or may not even care.

I know men wouldn't understand the concept and the feminists might be inflamed by my remark, but dealing with these complexities, mental illness, behavior issues is like trying to find a bra that really fits. Some will grab the first one and that's it. Others try several and get some in slightly different sizes then switch intermittently trying to figure which is best. I recommend being measured and fitted (go to a doctor or therapist) to make sure your getting what you need and not making do with what's good enough for now. It may take a while, but your most likely to get to the bottom of the issue and just follow up to keep it from coming back. Not every treatment or cause is a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.


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LittleDudesMom

Well-Known Member
When my son was younger, he also suffered from "lack of sleep" which really was his inability to settle and stop "thinking". We found that drastically changing his bedtime routine was a big help. We did his school reading in bed, then I read him a story, then the lights went out and we taked about our days. The hour-long routine went on Sun through Thur nights from 3rd grade until high school. It really helped, especially when he was taken off his antidepressant (which he took at night).

Insofar as taking him to your guru, if her mother and your niece are open, I don't see where it could hurt. It's not in the realm of my belief system, but I see it as being your honest concern and love for your niece. You never know until you try.

Has your niece had a sleep study done? That may be another option as well as an addition of the natural treatment of melatonin. You can go to your local health store to find out information about it.

Sharon
 

alvin

New Member
I am very thankful to both of you that you have rapidly respond to my question, i noticed one thing that she doesn't have good relationship with others, she is not making friends and always looks tired. I believe in spirituality and follow a person Mahendra Trivedi. I have too much faith and believe on this person, should I take her to to the person, just because he have unique ability, he can transform anything though thoughts. I think some inspirational people and unique thoughts can help her without taking medicines. What is your opinion?

If you think that he can help her, so may suggestion is that, you should take her to this person. I know a lady who is an excellent photographer, she was suffering from insomnia due to this problem she got a terrible accident and much loss in her photography business but Mahendra Trivedi helped her a lot. When i was in her office for giving offer to take photographs of my friends wedding.
 
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