Guest guest Posted December 20, 2003 Report Share Posted December 20, 2003 Melatonin works very well for some kids. It didn't work at all for my son. In fact, it seemed to make things worse. I tried it myself and it gave me horrible nightmares. I have a CD player in Kenny's room that I put on " repeat all " to play lullabies all night long. I also have to make sure there are no lights on in the hall outside his room. Some white noise can also be very beneficial. Good luck to your daughter. Been there, done that. s (Cary, NC) persistentC@... President and Executive Director The Mariposa School for Children with Autism www.MariposaSchool.org 919-461-0600 [ ] Bedtime My daughter has twin 3.8 month boys who are being difficult to get to sleep, getting extremely wild. Tried warm rice milk, calming videos, music. Doctor suggested melatonin. Anyone using it? Is it safe? Please give any input. Much appreciated. Thanks, Angie List moderators: Jenn - ABAqueen1@... Steph - Stephhulshof@... Post message: Subscribe: -subscribe Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2003 Report Share Posted December 20, 2003 Do lit search on stimulus control packages for sleep. You will find a vasr body of research that behavioists have done in this area with both normal children and children with disabilities. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 Melatonin works great for my son. give it about 20 minutes before bed and have them get in bed and relax, read a book. Videos can be too exciting so maybe cut them out. kirkmanlabs melatonin tastes good too. karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 I have 3.8 year old twin boys as well - I have found (and I apologize if this sounds simplistic and your daughter is already trying this) the exact same routine at night helps their systems to transition to bedtime (15-20 minute video, excately 4 books - they can vary but it must be the same number - the same song (it doesn't matter who sings it as long as it's sung) and the same tuck in procedure (again, it doesn't matter who tucks them in as long as they do the correct procedure). This is like a memorized picture schedule - they know what to expect and it gives them enough time to transition. The videos vary, the books vary - the only constants are the songs and the tucking in. Maybe a detailed picture schedule could help create the nighttime routine? You might want to read about the varying success of Melatonin on some of the diet groups. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2010 Report Share Posted March 13, 2010 , you may find it's easier with you at home in the evening because you can meet his needs before his "breaking point". Schedules are everything to these guys. Is there something that relaxes him? Tea or take melatonin? Maybe start that a bit earlier with a bath or shower (if he likes that) or reading to him - I know he's 11!! You might be surprised how many older children still find that comforting. If he likes pressure therapy then have a heavy blanket for him while you read. And my biggest suggestion (which is not meant to cause a debate) is no tv or video games for a minimum of 1 hour before bed. It ramps up the mind like crazy and can make them more violent and keyed up right when they are supposed to be relaxing. hthConnieFrom: <moien@...>Subject: ( ) bedtime Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 10:06 PM Hunter (age 11) is now in bed, crying himself to sleep. This is after stomping up the steps and slamming his door twice, and ripping all the bedding off his bed. This is how it is most nights, because he has to go to bed an hour before his sister (age 14). He says its not fair. However, if we do let him stay up any later, he won't get up in the morning, and has rotten days at school. Does anyone else have bedtime issues? This is really really frustrating for us. I am soon quitting my 2nd (evening) job so I will be home almost every night. I am truly dreading it and would love to run and hide and let my husband continue dealing with the every night chaos. Maybe this makes me a horrible mom but after hours and hours of homework with him, his horrible mornings, and all day at school issues...I need a break. I'm not going to get one so I'd love some ideas on how to help the nighttime transitions go better. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2010 Report Share Posted March 13, 2010 Hi: Does your son have sleep problems such as not being able to go to sleep or waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep? If so, this may be more of the issue than rules. My daughter has always had sleep problems because as she explains it, " her brain won't turn off at night. " She's never had a set bedtime before 10 and now it's 11 pm. When she goes to bed she's able to fall asleep and stay asleep rather than tossing and turning all night. a > > Hunter (age 11) is now in bed, crying himself to sleep. This is after stomping up the steps and slamming his door twice, and ripping all the bedding off his bed. This is how it is most nights, because he has to go to bed an hour before his sister (age 14). He says its not fair. However, if we do let him stay up any later, he won't get up in the morning, and has rotten days at school. > Does anyone else have bedtime issues? This is really really frustrating for us. > I am soon quitting my 2nd (evening) job so I will be home almost every night. I am truly dreading it and would love to run and hide and let my husband continue dealing with the every night chaos. Maybe this makes me a horrible mom but after hours and hours of homework with him, his horrible mornings, and all day at school issues...I need a break. I'm not going to get one so I'd love some ideas on how to help the nighttime transitions go better. > Thanks, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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