Sleep patterns and Melatonin

[Guest guest]

Hello:

Haven't posted for a long time, we basically lurk. But thought I

would chime in since we also are having difficulties with sleep patterns, or

lack

of sleep. Our son Devin (age 15) has difficulties sleeping at night also. He

also has the movement with his legs and arms and his Dad would basically hold

him down when he was younger until he fell asleep. If one part of his body

could move, even a finger, he would stay awake. But it has gotten worse,

initially we thought it might be hormonal and took him swimming, walking ect...

in

the evening to " wear him out. " This seemed to help for a little while but no

longer. I think that this lack of sleep seems to increase his self stiming

behavior and lack of focus. His doctor recommended melatonin. It is my

understanding that an individuals pituitary gland produces melatonin to help

induce

sleep and that some kids just do not produce enough of it. So far it seems to

be

working, we give him 30 mg one hour before his bed time. We haven't had to

hold him down either. It has only been a little more than a week, though I

have noticed he gets up earlier, in fact we all do, perhaps we are all getting a

better nights sleep.

Joan C

[Guest guest]

I found out this year that restless legs could be a symptom of anemia.

Guess what? Olivia went over to someone's house today (with her sister) for a

playdate! This is the first time she would go without me or not prefer to stay

home and watch her video. It was spontaeous and went well (except that she

choaked the little brother while trying to hug, which he took very well). Oh, it

was really great. She had a bunch of appointments this week, including eye, and

dentist and it was'nt easy, but it was'nt half as bad as usual. And the croup de

grau... she did so well getting her hair cut, the stylist told me to go get my

hair shampooed and she'll cut my hair also!! It has been a long time since I

have had the time to get MY hair done. I have had a wonderful week. I feel

guilty with so many people hurting so dearly, but I love to spread good news,

and my husband collected $400. on the golf course yesterday for Hurricane

victums.

Sleep patterns and Melatonin

Hello:

Haven't posted for a long time, we basically lurk. But thought I

would chime in since we also are having difficulties with sleep patterns, or

lack

of sleep. Our son Devin (age 15) has difficulties sleeping at night also. He

also has the movement with his legs and arms and his Dad would basically hold

him down when he was younger until he fell asleep. If one part of his body

could move, even a finger, he would stay awake. But it has gotten worse,

initially we thought it might be hormonal and took him swimming, walking ect...

in

the evening to " wear him out. " This seemed to help for a little while but no

longer. I think that this lack of sleep seems to increase his self stiming

behavior and lack of focus. His doctor recommended melatonin. It is my

understanding that an individuals pituitary gland produces melatonin to help

induce

sleep and that some kids just do not produce enough of it. So far it seems to

be

working, we give him 30 mg one hour before his bed time. We haven't had to

hold him down either. It has only been a little more than a week, though I

have noticed he gets up earlier, in fact we all do, perhaps we are all getting a

better nights sleep.

Joan C

[Guest guest]

nahtan still moves around in his sleep, but he use to pretty much be all

over frequently, especially his legs, he use to even bang his feet over and over

oand over, and withthe docs permission we tried anlke weights and that did

the trick,he could still move his legs but it was harder to lift them to bang

then and he hasnt banged themsince, and if he is over restless we wil put them

on for the night and it seems to help. shawna