What sleeping aid is available for a 3 year-old?

Question

My son's 3 and a half and has had sleeping problems for 3 years, and we've tried everything!

Answer 1

Melatonin is good and my children's pediatrician said it was safe. don't make a habit out of it though.

Answer 2

Tried everything? What does that mean? I wouldn't give a three year old any sleeping aid unless there was a medical reason for your child's sleeplessness.

If you follow the following rules for your son, he should sleep soundly every night:

No caffeine ever! (Read labels to see what has caffeine.)
Avoid sugar as much as possible.
Proper nutrition with food groups represented.
No food or drink for an hour before bed.
Regular bedtime every night with routine pre bedtime activities such as wash face, brush teeth, put on pjs, read story, to wind down to sleep.
Daily exercise (outdoors for fresh air, when weather cooperates-indoors)
No stimulating activity (like scary movies or violent video games) for two hours before bed.
Quiet House after child in bed.

I followed these rules for my children and not only did they sleep well, they were almost never sick. I have a box full of perfect attendance citations for my three sons because they got their proper rest from good nutrition, exercise and a routine bedtime. A three year old needs about 14 hours of sleep a day because they are doing some major growing and developing. Good luck!

Answer 3

i love reading all these answers from peoplm who really dont have the slightest clue how trying it can be having a child with a sleeping problem...i understand where your coming from and how desperate you are..my 18mth old son has a serious sleeping problem since he was born..and nothing i mean nothing has worked..the effects that this can have on parents everyday life is untold..other people do not understand..i have also tried everything we can think of to try fix this.my GP just doesnt understand either..i have come across such judgemental people who say its something thats somehow my own fault etc..im sure you feel the same as me..i hope you find a solution to your sons sleeping dificulty..i totally sympathise with you..if only people knew how serious this actually is

Answer 4

Phenergan is a short term measure but obviously this is a medicine and not really ideal. It is available from Boots. My doctor prescribed me a bottle when my daughter had bad cough and was unsettled. It did work. I don't think you can give it if your child has breathing difficulties or asthma.

I presume you have probably spoken to your health visitor and as usual been told it is something that they'll grow out of? It is really hard when you have a child with sleeping problems - believe me i know. Sometimes i feel like asking the health visitor to come and stay over for a month and then see what her answer would be?!?! LOL.

Chin up and hope you find a solution xx

Answer 5

First, talk with your pediatrician. It is unusual for your son to have sleeping problems at his age. If you don't want a medical treatment, go to your local health food store and buy some French lavender essential oil or Roman chamomile essential oil (around $20). Place a drop of the oil on your son's pillow or on a stuffed animal near your son when he sleeps. Both of these aromas, when inhaled, increase the brain's natural melatonin production. You can also add a couple of drops to your baby's bath before you put him to bed (the johnson's bedtime bath is ok, but not as effective as the essential oils are).

Answer 6

My 5yo had Vallergan/Phenergan once or twice a week for about a year or so when he was 3 to help set his sleep pattern, along with a careful routine. I understand that some people might be upset that a small child is given sleeping medication, but for those of us who have suffered through years of chronic sleep deprivation, these medicines, when given responsibly and in consultation with a doctor, do no harm and allow the parents to at least get a little sleep each night. My GP said that is was as much for me as it was for him - I could not function properly for a long time, and have 2 other kids ( and an alcoholic ex husband/father) to deal with, so it was a real lifesaver. I was able to go back to work a year or so after he started learning how to sleep throught the night, and our lives are great these days.
I wish you luck, and don't feel bad about asking for medical help, as long as there are no other underlying causes for his sleep problems
Jx

Answer 7

One of my children was the same, and eventually we kept her up until she was tired, which at least meant we all got some sleep. We just decided it was no big deal, and maybe thats just how she was.....if she was tired she'd fall asleep.
She's now 20 and just the same..........tends to be more awake at night. We've had to let her work out her sleep pattern herself. I should add that we've another 4 children who were perfectly normal! You have to hesitate and think abt whether its worth battling over .......you may be able to work something out without doing that. Lifes too short...... everyone is different....and there aren't rules made in stone are there?!

Answer 8

I don't know if this will work for you but try this : take him to play (anywhere) than feed him and take a warm bath before bad. Also try let him sleep with you until he fall a sleep. When MY 2 year had this problem an older lady told me to do this and it work for me good luck.

Answer 9

I hope you don't listen to half of these people...chicken soup w/ vaseline....red wine....this is crazy. I don't know about the melatonin as you can get it over the counter but it could be dangerous. Why don't you talk to your doctor about it. Sleep problems are not normal in 3 year olds.

Answer 10

My daughter takes melatonin. This is prescribed by a paediatrician. She has had sleep problems due to being blind, but melatonin can be prescribed for sleep problems with different causes. It is an licensed drug in the UK at present so can only be prescribed by certain doctors. They will evaluate whether it is appropriate. You can buy melatonin on the net, but sale without prescription in the uk is illegal, and i wouldn't advise trying anything without your doctors consent.

Answer 11

I would have to agree with Penny W, check into your child getting a sleep study. On a simple note:

A warm bath before bed, calm story, rub their back while they fall asleep...you have probably tried all of this.

Good luck!