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All Nighters For My 7-Year-Old Child

by Dawn
(Calgary)

Hello, hope you are well. My child every couple of weeks will have one to two all nighters where he can't sleep and sometimes acts very hyper. There was no caffeine involved. He's 7 and

he takes melatonin. Any ideas? Thanks.

Comments for All Nighters For My 7-Year-Old Child

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Jan 03, 2017
 Melatonin NEW
by: Anonymous

Melatonin can cause nightmares and other problems. If he is having nightmares, he may be resisting sleep out of fear. Caffeine causes sleep problems too, so make sure he is not drinking colas after noon each day. Many adults (like me) will not sleep if they consume caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Imagine how much more that would affect a small child. Video games and television should be put away a couple hours before you want him to sleep. Try reading part of a chapter book to him every evening, as that is a very good way to fall asleep, and it is something for him to look forward to, which will motivate him to go to bed. Just make sure it is suitable for children, and is not an adventure story, or a scary one! Funny stories help them release extra energy and stress, which helps them sleep. Just the closeness of reading together is a wonderful soother. If there are televisions or other lights and sounds going on in the house, they should be kept very low, because that could be preventing your son from falling asleep also. A specific bedtime ritual is advised, especially for these types of children. I have a grandson like this, and his sleep patterns can be erratic, depending on these conditions. Hope it gets better!

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