I wonder if it is a sensory thing? It sound like having another person in the bed fulfills a sensory need that he has. If you can think of ways to fulfill that need without using an actual person, then you have won. This may take some time. Here are a few ideas. You can use them alone or in combination:
Put his bed against the wall (if not already) and make a "nest" for him out of pillows and stuffed toys.
Try using a heavy, "drapey" blanket over him. One of those cotton blankets folded into four worked well for us.
Try some white noise in the room; a fan or something might help.
Make sure the room is totally dark.
The other thing that intrigues me is the assertation that his room is "dirty". It is obviously a source of anxiety for him. Maybe a spider got in there or something? Perhaps he can help you to "clean" his room, so that he is reassured that all is OK. Also have some "clean spray" (i.e. a spray bottle with plain water in it) on hand to counteract this problem.
Hi Sara,
I forget, how old is he, how much do you give him, and at what time do you give it?
For us it takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours for it to make my son sleepy so I give it to him around 6-7 in the evening.
Caleb is 3 and the first night we gave it at 9:00, yeah I know dumb!
{{{Sara}}} It takes time to figure this all out sometimes and no your not dumb lol.
Sara,
I wonder if it is a sensory thing? It sound like having another person in the bed fulfills a sensory need that he has. If you can think of ways to fulfill that need without using an actual person, then you have won. This may take some time. Here are a few ideas. You can use them alone or in combination:
Put his bed against the wall (if not already) and make a "nest" for him out of pillows and stuffed toys.
Try using a heavy, "drapey" blanket over him. One of those cotton blankets folded into four worked well for us.
Try some white noise in the room; a fan or something might help.
Make sure the room is totally dark.
The other thing that intrigues me is the assertation that his room is "dirty". It is obviously a source of anxiety for him. Maybe a spider got in there or something? Perhaps he can help you to "clean" his room, so that he is reassured that all is OK. Also have some "clean spray" (i.e. a spray bottle with plain water in it) on hand to counteract this problem.
I hope this helps
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
I'll throw this out there for what its worth.