I tried melatonin and it did nothing for me. However, massage was wonderful. But I had mine done by a physical therapist. So, I can't recommend any books. Good luck.

My boss uses melatonin when traveling abroad. I think it will work in low light. Doesn't hurt to try.

I've used Melatonin for my sleep issues in the past. I think what your doctor is getting at in a very obtuse way is the circadium rhythm/clock. I think he may be concerned that because Caleb sleeps in a room with lights on that Melatonin may affect his sleep cycle. Light governs when we sleep and get up.

You could always try Hyland's Calms Forte which works very well for me. It is a natural formula and I find it pretty effective for sleep.

Caleb does not have to get completely stripped down for a massage. He can wear a T shirt and maybe pj bottoms if that makes him happy and more comfortable. And, I think it would help if he had a chance to interact with the therapist first so he is more comfortable. They would certainly understand and try to accommodate his needs. Take care.

The doc is correct about melatonin. Lot of physiological stuff about circadian rhythms, hormone release, blah blah, comes down to: Yeah, taking it when the lights are out (or extremely low) gets it to do the job best. OTherwise, not so much.

As for massages, I've had them fully clothed or wearing nothing, but if he's not comfy without clothes, then they can do it with his t-shirt and gym pants on. Some will argue they can't "feel" properly, but my hubby is VERY modest and his massage therapist adapted fine to him having sweats on instead of being in his boxers. Just call ahead to a reputable massage therapist, they hould be willing to accommodate.

Self-taught massage can do more harm than good, so if you can find a pro, that's always best, and you can ask them to show you or direct you to a class. With FM, gentlest massage is always a best place to start---we can trigger So easily!

Good luck:-)

(I'll add that melatonin did diddly for me, but hubby and MOm swear by it, so does my one doc who used to work nights at an ER.)

My son did so well on melatonin and he slept with a pretty bright night lite. This was when he was 7-10.

I know some ppl who hate to be touched. I hate for ppl to touch my hair. We all have our things! ((hugs))

I had my sons doc talk to him about professionals and how we need privates revealed at times to the proper ppl. This was before his 1 year check up. My son was very worried about ppl seeing him, he has grown out of it being so bad. GL

I don't know about melatonin but I've been having massage therapy weekly for years.

Any therapist should be happy to work through a sheet or clothing. Try to find one who knows fibromyalgia or at least is skilled in multiple modalities. Massage can be very helpful but you need to avoid the commercial "one size fits all" places and find a practitioner who is interested in the clients as much as the money.

Good luck!

So sorry that I can't give you any helpful advice but did want to commend you for being such a wonderful advocate for your son. Hope that I'm not speaking out of turn but your dedication has touched me. A lot of us here have many that don't even recognize what we are going through. When you compare that to what you do for Caleb, who Is so young, well everything seems to take on a different perspective for me. Much appreciation and grateful hugs

Can only offer this suggestion... When you call for a massage, ask if they have someone with experience with fibro. I did and lucked out with someone who has lots of experience. Like Fantod said, he can wear a t shirt.

I take melatonin every night, I was told to take it 3 hours before bed time. I just go about my normal night, watching tv, looking at the internet and then about an hour or so after I take it I start feeling tired. I don't think it matters if you have lights on or not, because I always have my lights on when I am taking it and it still helps me feel tired.

Thank you so much Moreenb for your kind comments. I have so many people telling me I'm doing everything wrong that your words meant a lot.

And thanks everyone else for your input. We tried the Melatonin last night and he slept well, but he also hadn't slept well for five days so it might have just been exhaustion. But we'll keep it up.