How can I get my 4 y.o Bipolar son to sleep in his own bed?

Question

My son is 4 1/2 y.o. and has Bipolar disorder. He won't sleep in his own bed and always ends up in one of his sisters, even if he starts out in his own bed. We have tried locking his sister's door with hook and eye locks, and even a chain. He amazingly gets them open. I need suggestions about how to get him to sleep in his own bed and through the night.

He is already on Clonidine and Risperdal.

Please don't judge me for my child's diagnosis or because I medicate him. The medication has changed our lives. He DOES have bipolar. I don't need judging, just advice.

Answer 1

Try disciplining him. Locking him out is a deterrent, but set the rules, make the rules clear and define clear consequences for breaking the rules. and most importantly, FOLLOW THROUGH. He's bipolar, but don't give him special treatment all through childhood or he will not be well adjusted for adulthood. Treat him as normally as his condition allows to make him the most prepared for the real world later.

Answer 2

A four year old with bipolar? Wow, honestly, I'd get another diagnoses, unless he has pts or something... gosh.... :(
I'm so sorry, honestly didn't mean to judge you, it came across the wrong way. I only said that because I am a community support worker and wok in mental health (maternity leave now) and have neverheard of a patient being diagnosed with bipolar at such a young age! Its not you, or anyone else. I know what bipolar is, Which is why I was shocked he would be diagnosed at only age 4. I didn't mean that as a bad thing on you.. he may be going through night terrors and needs to feel someone there with him.. have you asked him what his reasons are? At his age, he may be saying alot with only a few words.. or he simply doesn't know why he does it, only that he does and he feels better for it. Maybe you could have him share a room with someone for a while where he'll have his bed, and after a while, he'll probbaly be more comftorable. Again, I'm terribly sorry... it was read differntl than it was written...:)

Answer 3

I'm not sure how to answer your sleep question. Have you asked him why he wants to sleep with his sister? Maybe he needs some form of comfort in his room that he currently doesn't have? He must have issues with manic depression if he has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Let him go to the store and pick out a night light with you or a set of favorite pajamas.

Now onto the reason I really answered your question... you seriously need to spread your horizons and look into alternative treatment for you child. Medicating them to the point of being comatose is not going to solve the issues, only prevent them from being worked through. Doctors have become drug dealers!!! How can any child be diagnosed with something as major as Bipolar Disorder??? Adults are only diagnosed after serious analysis of their behavior is evaluated!!! That just isn't possible with a child of 4 and some children at age 2 are being diagnosed with this!!! It's outrageous!!!

In no way am I trying to minimize what your child is going through but I have to stress that Doctors are not the ultimate authority on how you choose to raise your children! Take a stand and seek a safer approach to behavioral problems.

Ok I've had my say!

Answer 4

Lack of sleep in children can cause serious
health problems.If parents follow some simple
techniques for making their children sleep,
it can be avoided. I found useful information
at http://nosleep.in/sleepchildren.html

Answer 5

Who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder at such a young age? I would go to that doctor/psychiatrist for suggestions.

Answer 6

Take him to a physician that can prescribe a medication to knock him out and stay that way through the night. Because if he keeps going to his sister's bed well it might lead to worst behavior in his adult years and you know what I'm writing about.