She can't fall asleep at night, even when she is really tired. It has been going on for a long time now. It affects her mood and schoolwork. When she is trying to go to sleep, she will literally be just laying down for sometimes even hours.
2007-08-03 15:52:28 · 16 answers · asked by AdisonMay 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
There are many things that can cause problems with sleep (enviroment, diet, worry, etc) You need to find out what the problem is, a specialist may be needed.
I suggest keeping a journal of her day. When she wakes up, what she does, what she eats.
Is she taking naps during the day? This can cause problems sleeping at night. Does she have caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed? Is there something bothering her? Too much school work? Problems with friends, etc? When does she wake in the morning? It is recommended that you wake at the same time every morning, regardless of it being weekday or weekend.
I have been an insomniac for years. The most helpful thing for me were, not napping, waking at the same time/going to bed at the same time, and getting into a routine. Routines are very helpful, as they allow the body to recognize that it is bed time. For my routine I get into pajamas, brush teeth, read 1-2 chapters in my book, and go to bed( I put on relaxing music(which is another way to signal to your body that it is time for sleep).
It may take awhile to get your daughter to adjust her body to going to sleep at night if she is used to being awake at night. It took me a few weeks to get myself back on track.
2007-08-04 17:05:21 · answer #1 · answered by Prodigy556 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No naps, complete all homework at least an hour prior to set bedtime. Make sure she wakes up at the same time everyday.
All exercise/sport must be completed before dinner, not after.
No TV at night - it only stimulates the mind after you watch TV, and when you do homework/revise til late night just before you sleep. This includes, no music lessons after dinner - just let her complete whatever homework she has until one hour before bed.
No meals 2 hours before bedtime, so get her to eat an early dinner regardless of whether you eat at home or out. A very full stomach makes it hard for some to fall asleep.
Teach her to just lie down on her back, relax by breathing deeply and slowly. Guide her during the breathing to imagine she is in a place all by herself - the beach, the forest or even a desert. Must be a place she is comfortable with, tell her it is completely quiet and she can hear only her own breath.
2007-08-03 16:02:56 · answer #2 · answered by bronzedgal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hon, I couldn't sleep even when I took medication for pain that was narcotic in nature. I then stopped drinking any caffeine laced drinks like Diet Coke or Coke or especially Mountain Dew. I can now sleep with just a cup of hot cocoa and a dark room. I relax before laying down and only use my bed to sleep not watch TV. What a difference it has made in my life.
You might also try singing her a lullaby. Just the sound of your voice may soothe her. You don't have to sing well, just sing softly and she will fall asleep with all the other suggestions here. Good luck, Hon
2007-08-03 16:28:27 · answer #3 · answered by Sgt Little Keefe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure she gets up at around 7 every morning and not 12 or 1 like some teens do. Make sure she gets lots of exercise and let her read a magazine or book in bed and then she might fall asleep.
Hope this helps
2007-08-04 02:27:51 · answer #4 · answered by Keligh P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this is the cause, but if she drinks soft drinks have her cut these out before bedtime. Exercise an hour or 2 before bed-time. Not too close to bed time thought b/c it can interrupt sleep. Definitely take her to see her primary care physician.
2007-08-03 16:13:04 · answer #5 · answered by ndd77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is the environment conducive to sleep, or is there noise from next door or what?
Does she tell you why she can't sleep? i.e. "I'm scared to sleep", "I don't want to be alone", or "I just keep thinking about things"?
Try having her take a warm shower before bed.
Teach her to slow her heart rate down by inhaling slowly and deeply through her nose, and very slowly out through her mouth.
Try warm milk.
If she suffers a real anxiety disorder or something, she may need professional help.
2007-08-03 16:03:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there might be something going on with her life..
she might be worried/scared, or a lot of schoolwork, maybe something with her friends, or something in school because 6 or 7 grade can be really hard because of teachers or peer pressure.
But then again, you should take her to the doctor in case of anything.
Hope i helped =] and i hope she gets to sleep soon!!
2007-08-03 16:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have her get up early every morning. Do not nap in the day. Try having her get up and go to sleep at the same time everyday.(Routeen.) My son goes in his room 30 min. before bed to read a book. (winding down time) I my self drink hot tea or choc. before bed.
2007-08-03 16:06:27 · answer #8 · answered by bumblebee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exercise earlier in the day,no napes, a walk after dinner, listening to music or reading. I think when I was about 10 or 12 I had a huge fear that I would die during the night.
2007-08-03 15:57:36 · answer #9 · answered by Darby 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Something else is bothering her, this is a red flag. Talk to her about her life and what's happening in it. If it's not emotional, it could be physical, but usually it will be emotional. If you talk to her and everything seems fine, take her to a doctor, it sounds like it's no big deal but it could wind up being something serious
2007-08-04 08:25:36 · answer #10 · answered by marm212 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋