Hi,
I know there is another thread on sleep issues at the moment, but didn't want to hijack the thread where someone else is asking for advice. I am however seriously desperate for advice on anything else I can try to help my son sleep.
My son is now 2yrs11 months and it takes him up to 3 hours to settle to sleep now. He is OBVIOUSLY tired, rubbing his eyes, yawning, etc., but seems unable to settle/switch off. He is suffering from this - he gets upset and frustrated and the days it takes him longest to settle, the next days are the worst in terms of behaviours and sensory issues. We have tried everything I can think of in terms of changes to the room/lighting/bedding/temperature/bedtime routine (obviously all done carefully and gradually to avoid confusion or distress)... I have attended seminars on sleep problems and found I have tried all the 'usual' stuff. The only thing we haven't tried in Melatonin and I want to be happy that a) we have tried all reasonable other options before we consider the medication, and b) that I have researched the supplements properly.
I have 2 questions.
1) What else can we try to help him - as it is causing him distress to struggle to sleep so much when he is tired I can't just 'leave it' as it is.
2) What reliable sources can I look at to research the use of Melatonin in young children? I don't want to 'medicate' my son if I can avoid it, but I also think we need to consider the benefits versus any downsides. I don't want to read any old quack's view, or any knee-jerk reactions, but rather a measured scientific/medical view.
I would be grateful for any views.
PoP
