sleep problems | ADHD Information

Hi, I am new to this group. My son was receantly diagnosed with ADHD combined type. he was on clonidine , but had terriable bloody noses, drying effect of clonidine. It did seem to help with sleep, but had bloody nose in middle of night so obviously this messed up his sleep pattern. he has started on ritalin 5mg 3x a day not taking clonidine, but ofcourse cannot sleep at night. Wondered what other people were giving their children to help them sleep at night? Or any other solutions they have tired that worked? Thanks stephanie

OUr pediatrician reccamended a homeopathic remedy..it is called Valerian root...I don't think it helps get my daughter to bed any earlier...but it does help her sleep more soundly and through the night....I have taken it as well,,,and it knocks me out...A warm bath at bedtime helps us too. Oh...and Magnesuim...helps alot to relax muscles...and if you take it at bed time...it can help too...There are some studies that say ADD ADHD people have a difficiency in Magnesium...I also have terrible muscle tension in my neck..so I am going to give it a try too...I will keep you posted..

Valerian root relaxes the body. Great for sleeping. rshn

My 8 year old is now taking imipramine to help with the sleep issues  that go along with the ADHD..

i need to take medison to go to sleep becuase of my concerta i take 5mg of melatonine (hormone) but stil i get up at to and can't sleep till 4 or i can't sleep at al anymore that night

it's verry strange does anyone have anything i should try

You might consider Tenex in place of the clonidine at night, it is also used for hyperactivity/sleep and might not have the same effects.  Also consider a time release Ritalin (Ritalin LA, Metadate or Concerta).  The time release formulations don't have as high peak concentrations in the blood and therefore fewer side effects.

The only controlled scientific study of Melatonin was done by Dr. Margaret Weiss in Canada with a small number of patients but was encouraging.  She presented it last week at the annual APA conference (I had to stand in the back). However - she did this with *pharmaceutical grade* melatonin from Europe.  Melatonin is not available by prescription in North America.  Lots of research has shown that often herbal remedies contain toxic impurities and sometimes don't even contain the stated herb at all.  Use them at your own risk.  At least try and use melatonin manufactured and packaged in the US.

Two ideas -- possibly reduce the last dose of the day.

Try melatonin -- it helps you to fall asleep. It has been a miracle for our 8 yr
old. We give him 1mg an hour before bedtime. He relaxes, is calm, can
listen to a quick bedtime story, and falls right asleep.

Good luck!

I tried a pure pill form of valerian root as a pre-teen and it gave me terrible bellyaches.  I’m still reluctant to try it as an adult.  It also smelled really bad—I hate smelly pills.  Melatonin does seem to help (at least in the beginning—maybe a placebo effect) and no bellyaches, nasty smell, or taste.  I’ve used orange flavored sub-lingual kind and like the faster delivery. 

I recall some success with L-tryptophan when I could buy it without a prescription.  I think you can get it now with an Rx, but it may be contradicted if you’re also on stim. meds.

I’ve discovered that after being on stim. meds I actually sleep more regularly.  If I can just force myself to get in the bed and close my eyes, I fall asleep much faster.  I don’t think I’ll fall asleep, but I always do.

If I don't take sleeping pills, I won't go to sleep for 2 or 3 days. I've always had problems sleeping, but with Adderall XR, it's a lot worse. Most of the time I end up staying up for 2 days and then sleeping for like 12 hours the next day. Todd38502.6398611111