Yes, i use melatonin for both my boys and it has been an absolute life saver. There are some places that have 0.5 mg or 500mcg to try first. Some are 3mg but that is a bit big for kids. 0.5 or 1 is usually good for my kids. though recently I have only found 2.5 and that has been fine.
If you have a trader joes near you they have a good one that is chewable.
If that doesn't work try valerian. It relaxes them and is a mild natural sedative. My friends kids didn't have luck with melatonin but they use valerian and something else and that has helped.
I had no idea melatonin was something you could get over the counter. David's pdoc once suggested it, but never wrote a prescription, so I forgot about it. He never wake up during the night, but getting him to settle into sleep has been difficult since the day he was born. It's like his brain waves won't click into sleep mode. He can be all ready for bed, and lying there quietly, looking like he'll nod off any moment, and then all of a sudden he'll shout out a silly song, or leap up and start jumping on his bed. It's clearly a case of his brain not doing what it's supposed to do (as opposed to just being naughty...although I sure used to get ANGRY with him when I thought he was doing it on purpose!)
Heck, if you can get melatonin at Trader Joes, I think I'll try that. Thanks for mentioning it.
We use melatonin for Nathan too....but only occasionally. He used to sleep fine, and then it just got too difficult for him to calm his little brain down on his own!!
He didn't like the flavor...big surprise!!! LOL So I mix it with a little juice. He calls it "juice medicine". He knows that it helps him to sleep, so when he needs it, he asks for it. We haven't had to use it for awhile now, so that's great!
Yes, i use melatonin for both my boys and it has been an absolute life saver. There are some places that have 0.5 mg or 500mcg to try first. Some are 3mg but that is a bit big for kids. 0.5 or 1 is usually good for my kids. though recently I have only found 2.5 and that has been fine.
If you have a trader joes near you they have a good one that is chewable.
If that doesn't work try valerian. It relaxes them and is a mild natural sedative. My friends kids didn't have luck with melatonin but they use valerian and something else and that has helped.
Renee
Renee,
I had no idea melatonin was something you could get over the counter. David's pdoc once suggested it, but never wrote a prescription, so I forgot about it. He never wake up during the night, but getting him to settle into sleep has been difficult since the day he was born. It's like his brain waves won't click into sleep mode. He can be all ready for bed, and lying there quietly, looking like he'll nod off any moment, and then all of a sudden he'll shout out a silly song, or leap up and start jumping on his bed. It's clearly a case of his brain not doing what it's supposed to do (as opposed to just being naughty...although I sure used to get ANGRY with him when I thought he was doing it on purpose!)
Heck, if you can get melatonin at Trader Joes, I think I'll try that. Thanks for mentioning it.
Evelyn
Susan,
We use melatonin for Nathan too....but only occasionally. He used to sleep fine, and then it just got too difficult for him to calm his little brain down on his own!!
He didn't like the flavor...big surprise!!! LOL So I mix it with a little juice. He calls it "juice medicine". He knows that it helps him to sleep, so when he needs it, he asks for it. We haven't had to use it for awhile now, so that's great!
Michelle
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Chiming in late here,
My DD had no trouble fallign asleep, but used to wake several times per night, fom brth to almost 3.5. Some things which helped us.
Walbarger brushing Technique (taught to me by an occupational therpist) -this is the BIG one.
Keeping the room *absolutely* dark. Door closed. Blackout shade, no nightlights.
Rocking her before bedtime and if she woke up.
A very heavy blanket. I use a cotton counterpane, folded twice.
Bed against the wall. (she likes to smoosh herself against the wall)
lots of stuffed animals to make a nest with.
HTH
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com