Hi! New Here!

[cheerfulheart]

Hi! I'm new here...found this group as a result of a graduate course I'm taking. My 7 year old daughter was formally diagnosed with ADHD almost 2 years ago. We have been working on a med regimen, but still struggle with sleep issues. She has taken melatonin since her weight has been high enough to do so...but she still does not sleep well and always has dark circles under her eyes. I think some of her behaviors would improve if I could just get her some good sleep! Anyone else been through this and have suggestions??

[Aspen797]

Hello and welcome! You should find this to be a welcoming and helpful forum. I know I have. Sleep has a huge effect on our son’s behavior too. Always has. We also try really hard to protect his sleep so I feel your worry. Do you have ideas about what is causing her to not sleep well? Is it hard to go to sleep, waking through the night, or snoring? So tough.

[N_37]

Sleep is a big one here too! Were currently trying a weighted blanket thats a little heavier than recommended, as the one I got him for his weight "was not heavy enough. No we use the lighter one for reading time in the living room.

[horsegirl08]

My 12 year old is experiencing issues too. I found a lot of good information on the internet about how to help improve her sleep through diet and timing of her meals/snacks, and I'm still trying to determine what works and what doesn't. Also, our pediatrician stated at one time that ADHD meds may inhibit melatonin, so take it 1 to 2 hrs before bed vs the 1/2 suggested on the bottle.

I have started giving my daughter my Fitbit to track her sleep patterns overnight so I can see how disruptive her sleep really is (or isn't) and report it to her pediatrician during our next check in.

[mermaidsNfairies]

Welcome! Our dentist advised us to ask our pediatrician about enlarged tonsils and adenoids as both can effect quality of sleep.

If sleeping through night is an issue, we've found extended release melatonin at the local pharmacy.

[WhosMissy]

Following because I think my newly diagnosed daughter(10 years old) has the same issue. The dark circles make me feel so bad for her! It is good to hear from other parents here that getting the sleep helps.

I'm just not sure how to make her stay asleep. She literally wakes up after 6-ish hours of sleep and just sits there in her bed. She's not upset or anything, just plays with stuffed animals and hangs out by herself until others are awake. But she should be asleep too!

I love the FitBit idea! I'm scared what I might find out from it, but it's worth getting the data on her.