Health Tip: Help a Child With ADHD Sleep Better - ADD Forums - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Support and Information Resources Community

jace49 · #1 09-05-12, 08:55 AM

(HealthDay News) -- If your child has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this may lead to a number of sleepless nights for both of you.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests how to help children with ADHD get a better night's sleep:

Adhere to a consistent schedule for bedtimes and wake times.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine that allows your child to wind down.
Make sure your child has a healthy sleep environment, including a cool, dark and comfortable place to sleep.
Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise each day.
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news...d-sleep-better

ginniebean · #2 09-05-12, 10:52 AM

Consider a fan or white noise machine.

sarahsweets · #3 09-05-12, 10:54 AM

or a sledge hammer.....JK

**LynneC** · #4 09-05-12, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

or a sledge hammer.....JK

Hah! Now, that was funny...

**Amtram** · #5 09-05-12, 12:46 PM

Also keep in mind that sleep disturbances caused by ADHD don't always respond to these techniques. Difficulty returning to sleep after multiple nighttime wakings can't be addressed with scheduling.

JANAE · #6 09-07-12, 10:57 AM

My sons neurologist told me to give him melatonin ?
Anybody else use it?

**LynneC** · #7 09-07-12, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JANAE LUISI

My sons neurologist told me to give him melatonin ?
Anybody else use it?

Yes, many here use melatonin and/or give it to their children to help them to fall asleep.

JANAE · #8 09-08-12, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynneC

Yes, many here use melatonin and/or give it to their children to help them to fall asleep.

how many MG is normal for small children? My neurologist said I could give my Four yr old who weighs 42 lbs 4-5 MG's? I thought this was a rather large dose. I have only given him .325 MG and it does help calm him before bed, but doesnt necessarily put him to sleep.

Geno · #9 09-08-12, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JANAE LUISI

How many MG is normal for small children? My neurologist said I could give my Four yr old who weighs 42 lbs 4-5 MG's? I thought this was a rather large dose. I have only given him .325 MG and it does help calm him before bed, but doesnt necessarily put him to sleep.

Melatonin has been shown to be safe in doses of up to 2000mg per night in some studies. 4-5 isn't going to hurt.

**Ms. Mango** · #10 09-08-12, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JANAE LUISI

how many MG is normal for small children? My neurologist said I could give my Four yr old who weighs 42 lbs 4-5 MG's? I thought this was a rather large dose. I have only given him .325 MG and it does help calm him before bed, but doesnt necessarily put him to sleep.

I would think 4-5 mg. would be the max. Like anything else, use just as much as you need. I've used melatonin myself on occasion and more is not better--it makes me very groggy in the am.

Lunacie · #11 09-08-12, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amtram

Also keep in mind that sleep disturbances caused by ADHD don't always respond to these techniques. Difficulty returning to sleep after multiple nighttime wakings can't be addressed with scheduling.

Exactly. I still struggle with sleep issues and I'm 61.

My p-doc told me that Trazadone was originally used for depression but nowadays

is used for sleep problems. I asked him if I could take it with Sertraline?

He said yes. So I'm currently taking just 1/4 of a 150 mg tablet -

generic so very cheap dividing the largest pill.

I fall asleep within 15 minutes and I can go back to sleep if I wake in the night.

I hated going the meds route, but sleeping is so much better than not-sleeping.

Having a fan running for white noise is also very helpful for me!

ConcertaParent · #12 09-09-12, 10:47 PM

'5 Steps To A Good Night Sleep With ADHD'

(find at wwwDrKenny.com/105)

Lunacie · #13 09-10-12, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConcertaParent

5 Steps To A Good Night Sleep With ADHD

From the article ... having tonsils and adenoids removed helps many kids, as does

taking a med like Trazadone. We had my granddaughter's tonsils and adenoids

removed 9 months ago, and started her on Trazadone last month.

Some nights she sleeps for 6 or 7 hours, but some nights she barely gets 4 hours.

Which makes her cranky the next day, and leaves us adults sleep-deprived and

cranky as well.

I didn't see any tips in any of these articles or posts that we haven't tried,

most with no success at all.

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