My 7 year old is ADHD and has allergies that give him exzema. He has difficulty going to sleep at night mainly because he is itchy. (I think sometimes it is an avoidance mechanism when he doisn't want to do something). Anyway, we have tried melatonin, benadryl, clonidine and now we are on an anti-itch medicine where the side effect is tiredness. All these meds work great for the first few months, then they seem to wear off.
I have tried relaxation tapes, books on tape, etc. Sometimes he doesn't fall asleep for on hour or two, and comes out of his room every 30 minutes or so. I do understand where he is coming from, I have ADHD and have a hard time falling asleep because my mind is always going. I envy my husband and daughter who lay down and fall asleep quickly.
I am taking Lunesta, which helps, but not recommended for kids. Anybody out there find anything else that has worked well??
AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!
Omegas often help with skin issues... you can read more on the Alternatives to Meds thread (they can be given with medication generally). We thought my son had exzema until we eliminated dairy products and put him on Omegas..... good luck!