how do i get my 4 year old to sleep at night? he will sleep 20 to 30 minutes then be up crying again. i cant do this no sleep stuff for like the last 2 weeks its been worse how do i help him sleep? please help cause i cant go on much longer
if its a behavioral issue let him cry. And DON'T GO GET HIM or go in his room. HE'll figure it out. If he comes out put him back in with out talking to him and just keep doing it.
In addition to the good ideas already given- considering whether ADHD medication is having an impact (if he takes any), and whether there could be some sort of ear infection, try giving him warm baths with Epsom salts at bedtime. You may need to try this for a week or two before deciding if it is helpful.
To naturally raise his melatonin levels for bed, about an hour before bedtime lower all the lighting in the home to minimal levels. You might even want to use a flashlight for bedtime stories!
After trying these things, you may want to write again if your son is still having trouble sleeping.
I would have him examined by your pediatrician to make sure he doesn't have anything medical or physical waking him up, ear infection, etc. Your doctor may also be able to give you some suggestions about his sleeping issues. I also recommend you check out Mary Sheedy Kurcinka's book, "Sleepless in America," and her website www.parentchildhelp.com. Good luck.
You mentioned that he has ADHD, is he being medicated? Could it be that he is taking his last dose of medication to close to bedtime? If he is sensitive to the medication he is on the nice thing is there are so many to choose from these days. If he is on a long acting medication maybe it is staying to long in his system. Just some thoughts.....
talk to your doctor about melatonin...my son needed it at that age.
J.
