Sleep problems | ADHD Information

My 10 year old adhd child  STILL cannot fall asleep at night.  She has a regular routine 8pm shower, brush teeth, go to room and read or play quietly until 9pm. lights out, tuck in and prayer.  Also we have eliminated sugary snacks 2 hours prior to bedtime.  Yet still she gets up several times to pee (which I don't want to discourage because then she will wet the bed) and doesn't fall asleep until well after 12pm.  Then morning time is an obvious nightmare.  HELP!  I dont' know what else we can do.I tend to use melatonin myself. I get 3-4 hours of sleep a night, and the melatonin doesn't leave me groggy the next morning. Another possibility is valerian. It's a natural supplement that I've used successfully in the past.

Only issue is that if you take it and sleep for less than 5 hours, you can be left with a "hangover" the next morning, meaning grogginess and sensitivity to light. Usually lasts for 30 minutes or so.

We use Melantonin

I use it Menopause Sleep issues and it works well.  Son 13 yr  takes it at night and so does Daughter 11 yr for sleep for ADHD.  and we have been using it for a few years now. 

deepbreathe,

 Melantonin is a hormone that we all produce.  It is what makes us feel tired when it gets dark.  Many adhders do not produce enough.

I would cut drinks out within 1 1/2 hrs of bedtime and allow a snack of carbs,ie: graham cracker or the like.  Carbs help with sleep ,too. Stay away from juices or soda before bedtime.  Start with a small dose of melantonin and work up.  Too high a dose can cause nightmares in some people. You can purchase melantonin over the counter. I get it at Walmart.

  Let her get as much exercise after school to help get rid of excess energy.  But, I wouldn't recommend it before bed.  It can actually stimulate her and interfere with sleep.

My 13 yr old has done well with 1/4 tab and now 1/2 tab of 25mg seraquil, just for the sleepy side effect. BUT if she takes her Concerta too late on the weekends, then this med won't even help.

Tried benedryl, that gave her opposite effect!

What do we know about melatonin? If you find out, let me know.

Also doctor put her on ditropan to help with day and nightly wetting. That has helped us with bedwetting challenge, not to mention daily trickle problems.

Good luck.

Eliminate water as well.

 She is holding urine to pee and stay up in defiance?

 I dunno.

ANYway.

My son is on 1/2 of a 15mg Mirtazapine tablet each night.

THAT WORKS FOR HIM.

Melatonin is great as well, it just takes more as you get used to it.

there are no studies on Melatonin.

There are studies on Mirtazapine.


bugzappers39551.3968171296Have you talked to the doctor about the sleep problems?  does your child exhibit anxiety?  clonidine, tenex and melantonin all help with adhd related anxiety and sleep difficulties.

Make her run around or play with a ball, or jump rope, whatever she can do to vent all that excess energy.