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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