Parents of Children with ADHD Support Group

This community is designed as an open forum where the parents and guardians of children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can give and receive support, as well as discuss ideas, techniques, concerns, surprises, and challenges they may face with their children.

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sassysmiles 10/08/2012

Hi. My 7 yr old son was sleeping thru the night like any other kid until June of this year. Some kids in his summer program introduced him to "bloody mary", a kids ghost story. Now he is scared of his room. Not just scared but terrified! Of his room. Of the dark. Of taking a shower by himself. Of feeding the dog by himself ( the food is in the garage). He has not slept thru the night since then- it's been 5 months now. I'm fucking tired! He wakes me up every two hours!!!! If I could even get a four hour block of sleep I will function better! I've pretty much given him the floor by my side of the bed and told him he can sleep there but to not wake me up. I'm exhausted from trying everything to make his room less scary. He's going to be 30 years old sleeping on the floor next to his mother. Does anyone have any advice?

CAWriterMom 10/08/2012

For starters, let him sleep with the light on, if you aren't already. Our son does that.

Also, ask his doctor about melatonin. It primarily helps with falling asleep, but I've found the times I've tried it, I sleep better all the way through the night. Our son has to take it every night because he has too much energy to fall asleep on his own. Can start with a small dosage like .5 and then work up, if needed. Again, I'd ask the doctor first, even though it's over the counter.

sassysmiles 10/08/2012

Hi writer mom! Yes he sleeps w his closet light on, a reading lamp, and his desk lamp. Plus two night lights. My pediatrician just put him on 6 mg melatonin. It's barely working.......

deleted_user 10/08/2012

I was terrified of Bloody Mary for years. Didn't sleep a wink unless I was in my parent's bed. Finally both my mom and dad went into my room with the lights off and did the whole routine in front of my mirror. Once I saw nothing happened, it helped, although I was still nervous. They just took the mirror out of my room.

skc0806 10/09/2012

Gad to hear you guys are trying melatonin. My 7 year old takes 6mg. Just like CAwriter's son its because he has too much energy. I know the feeling of like of sleep. Less then 2 years ago my son older cousin decided to tell him about zombies and vampired. Even watched a show where they ate humans. Yay me. Lol. I went a week with no sleep. I mean none. My son stayed up all night! Maybe hour here or there. He finally started sleeping when he realised it was fake. I took him to store to show him some fake blood and stuff. So try doing it in front of him like suggested. Maybe after doing it agree to sleep in his room for that night only just to prove it? I hope it works out soon and all of you start sleep.

deleted_user 11/11/2012

My son does not sleep because of his ADHD. The doctor has prescribed a medication to help him sleep through the night. Melatonin can cause growth stunts in children (what my doctor said) and preferred to give him something else. It has helped tremendously. Maybe try something like that to take his anxiety away at night.

Faithfully77 11/12/2012

Natural Calm (magnesium powder) or Hyland's Calm Forte both work great for my son age 12. No side effects either.

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