My 3 year old

[Leo87]

Hi guys. I am just feeling so overwhelmed atm. My 3 year old son has never been a great sleeper. He has only slept through a couple of times. Due to his hyperactivity at first I thought he might have ADHD. I also have it myself. But after some investigation I was certain his behavior was because of his sleep issues (frequently wakes up). Well Ive gone back to cosleeping for now so we all get some sleep. He doesnt wake up when he is with me but can be quite restless at times. Problem is his behavior is still the same.

My question is, has anyone had any experience with this and their young ADHD child? I just dont know what to do anymore.

[Onthemove1971]

Leo87-

Welcome to the group and we are sending you a big hug. We have all experienced it. Please read the following book: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, 4th Edition: A Step-by-Step Program for a Good Night's Sleep. It changed my life when my child was that age. I learned that you have train a child to sleep.

If your child does not sleep, please talk to his doctor to recommend the proper medical intervention to help.

Good luck.

[Pennywink in reply to Onthemove1971]

I was about to recommend this same book! We’ve used it since my first was an infant, and it’s made such a difference for us as well. It also seems to line up with what our pediatrician recommends.

[EJsMom]

I asked my sons doctor about this when he was younger because he had sleeping issues as well.

He suggested melatonin.

We have been using that and it helps.

He’s almost 14 now. The trouble he has now is different. He can stay up all night and sleep all day if I let him.

It doesn’t really work with school!

[Nadia7 in reply to EJsMom]

We did the same for our son, started taking Melatonin (per pediatrician recommendation) around 5 years old. My big frustration at age 1-5 was my pediatrician’s lack of belief that something was “off” with our son’s behavior/actions/neurology. It took a LOT of work to get a genuine diagnosis and it continued to develop into other diagnoses as he got older (Autism Spectrum). That being said, I came across a neat clock online that helps teach your kids when it’s time to sleep and wake up (or have quiet time) by use of color (ie red is sleep, yellow is quiet playtime, and green is time to get going for the day). I spent many years co-sleeping or falling asleep in my son’s bed just to get him to fall asleep. That was over a decade ago, so I’m sure there are so many more resources out now that can be helpful. But you’re definitely NOT alone! Best wishes to you and your darling one.

[CBitt575]

This sounds exactly like my youngest son (just turned 5). We started giving him Zarbee’s melatonin (1mg) at age 2.5 because it would take hours for him to fall asleep (with us trying everything from sleep training, steady bedtime routine, bribery and rewards, etc). He would bang his head repeatedly on the headboard or pillow just to fight sleep. Melatonin was a life saver. It was the first time he fell asleep in under an hour. We could do a peaceful bedtime routine where he was calm and relaxed. We’ve talked with the pediatrician about using the melatonin and he’s been supportive of it. He still wakes at night and either comes in our bed or I end up sleeping in his bed, but overall we’re sleeping.

In May of this year (age 4.5) he started on a stimulant. Now that I can see the difference between his medicated and non-medicated self, I recognize the ADHD behaviors that I previously chocked up to my bad parenting, too much sugar or preservatives, or his just being a preschooler.

There is a wealth of good info about kids and sleep on this pediatrician/pulmonologist website: drcraigcanapari.com

Good luck!

[Onthemove1971]

Leo87- welcome to free he group. Have you tried a weighted blanket? These can be purchased on Amazon. This might give his body the weight that it needs to calm itself. Other parents have recommended essential oils rubbed on his feet.

Please understand we all have issues at a young age with our children.

Best of luck